Why Can’t Mums be in a Bad Mood?

So the day started with drama. I made roti for breakfast when everyone wanted pancakes. Not a single child voiced their opinions beforehand, only to be as critical as an astute sour culinary expert who had too many pickles, once the meal was presented to the ungratefuls. In looking back at the day, this was what jolt started my bad mood which grew like a dark cloud.

The fully fledged teenager was once again hung up on a multitude of teenager problems, like a broken nail that if not solved would be the end of the world. My son had decided to embrace his own special super hero, Super Sloth, living, breathing and moving in ultra slow mode to the point I think the world had taken a few turns before he decided to take the great journey from bed and attack his school books. Super sloth strikes again leaving me vexed and perplexed. When my children show an interest I do like to nurture it, but my third child's fascination and determination in making the right concoction of the every popular “slime”, has me infuriated beyond comprehension.why you ask?..well the best slime is only filled with my most expensive creams. Watch the dark cloud, it has indeed gotten bigger. Now usually the youngest is my balm, my blessed assurance, one word from her has me counting my blessings. But today of all days she felt the need to explore her artistic talents..on my nice clean white walls. I think the dark cloud might burst. It did indeed when the whole gang decided to have one last “battle of the throne” sibling squabble shouting at “MUM” for the ultimate refereeing. Yes, the looming black cloud burst and like a cacophony of beating drums and screeching trumpets, my BAD mood burst, ensuring carnage and destruction in its wake!

Mum in a bad mood is not a likable person. Everyone hates me, everyone gangs up on me and my husband definitely stays clear of me.

I don't enjoy being in bad moods, nostrils flaring, emotions running wild, I usually set done ultimatums and punishments which I eventually regret! Of course we all can understand that it's not really our fault. It's those ungrateful, roti hating, blasted kids! But children being children cannot be blamed. As I recall, there's a popular saying that goes “You cannot control the things that happen to you, you can indeed control the way you react to it”. So dear mums, the harsh reality is that getting into bad moods is not the solution to the problem. Of course this is a test, this a strain on our patience, our good humour and any other human emotion we possess. When researching this article, I did question my children on what kinda of a mood that they think I am in constantly, and their immediate reaction, a BAD one! As I recall I used to think my mother was in a mood also when I was growing up. I want my children to remember me as being the happy easy going mum. Here are some ways you can achieve that!

So the answer to my title question is, Mums cannot be in bad moods. It's just not acceptable, however trying the situation. I do not want my children to remember me as a grumpy mum, nor do I want them to start emulating me and displaying the same behaviour. WE are mothers after all, forces to be reckoned with. We can conquer any difficulties thrown our way. We are superheroes in the making.

Do not start your week without knowing what is expected of it. There will be days where you have a multitude of activities and commitments, and other days with nothing in them except a bunch of bored kids

Organise and Prioritise. Do not start your week without knowing what is expected of it. There will be days where you have a multitude of activities and commitments, and other days with nothing in them except a bunch of bored kids. Remember to spread out your commitments, take on only the challenges that you can conquer. Being stressed and perplexed over a busy schedule is a sure fire way to destroy anyone’s good mood.

Eat right. As much as I like a good Nasi goreng, try and not make unhealthy foods your everyday diet. If you are in a bad mood do not make junk food your refuge.you will be surprised at how eating certain foods which are beneficial to your body will keep your energy levels up and ready. When you feel tired, you are easily irritated, into the mix if add annoying children, you get an explosion. Start the battle from the inside out!

Exercise is mandatory. I am not saying you need to work out like a beast, but if that helps please do. But getting yourself to a class, a walk whatever it is, just do it. You will be surprised how those good endorphins keep you strong and healthy and ready to face whatever task is headed your way.

Sometimes give in. You know life would be a whole lot easier if we all said yes! Yes, the children have misbehaved and household chores are breaking your back, but do not let your bad mood filter into every aspect of your day. Deal with it and move on.

Begin your day right. I wake up EARLY before everyone else, because I cherish those few minutes all to myself as I have my morning tea. Whether you would like to begin the day with prayer, some yoga or meditation. Do what works for you to establish and maintain that open calm outlook for the mental onslaught of the day to come.