Finding Joy in the Midst of a Tantrum

Thank you for joining us for the Joys of Mothering series! This week, some wonderful bloggers will be sharing how they find joy in the different moments of motherhood. Today, I’m happy to welcome Erika from Slowly Natural!

I don’t have perfect kids. Shocking, I know! In my house, at any given moment, you might see a 4 year old who is trying to convince me that his way is right. Or maybe you hear my 6 and 8 year olds bickering over how exactly the game should be played and you hear the tone of frustration in one voice and know the other child is on the verge of tears! Better yet, you might even see my 9 year old struggle with her emotions- happy, sad, angry, frustrated, unsure- as she matures and learns to have self control.

Emotions can get the best of us! Even if we aren’t the ones actually having them!

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2-3

Basically, have joy despite many kinds of trials. Let’s face it, parenting can be quite challenging, especially if you are in the midst of your child’s emotional breakdown.

How is it possible to have joy during these times? This kind of joy is not that type of joy that we associate when we see someone walking around with a humongous smile on their face. It’s definitely a heart matter though. The way we can have joy during any trial, but especially during the emotional matters of your child’s heart, is to keep our eyes focused on the giver of true joy.

What can you do?

Pray. Pray for your child and pray for yourself. All children will exhibit less than desirable attitudes- from the tantrum of a toddler to the eye rolling of a teenager. Go ahead and ask God to help you handle these situations with grace. Ask God to guide your child’s heart as they are molded into a self-control type spirit. In the heat of the moment, pray!

Don’t get caught up in a pity moment! Yes, your child is having a rough day. No, it isn’t easy for anyone. Instead of getting caught up in the moment and allowing it to bring you down, see it for what it is! A moment for learning and growth! Teach your child how to handle their emotions! Teach them that it’s okay to feel mad or sad, but it is not okay to yell, scream, or throw things. Nobody said parenting was easy!

Give them what they need. Is your pre-teen having a hard time growing up? Set aside some time and take them out for _______________ (a coke, coffee, shoe shopping, bowling, whatever…). Is your toddler having major meltdowns? Curl up on the couch with them and watch their favorite TV show (or put them down for a nap and allow them to get rested). Is your child having a bad attitude lately? Spend some one on one time with them. Show your kid that you are there for them- during the good time and the bad time. Extra hugs and kisses. A nap. Uninterrupted attention!

It is possible to have joy during these trying times as a parent! You just have to stay focused! And maybe have a few pieces of chocolate around the house, too!

How do you deal with fits, tantrums, eye rolling, tears, and other moments of emotional trials with your children WHILE maintaining joy?

Erika is a homeschooling, servin’ Christ, strivin’ for a simpler life, keeping eyes focused on HIM mama of 4! She’s been transplanted from Arkansas to Nebraska, from a bigger city to a small rural town. All because God led her husband there to do mission work by starting a Baptist church. She just wants to be used by God, in all that she does. She blogs about modesty, homeschooling, healthier living and life in the ministry over at Slowly Natural. You can also find her on Facebook.