I always thought I would be a patient, understanding, and calm mother. And I was … until I had children.

For example, a child comes into the room complaining about how unfair life is and rather then showing patience and understanding, I immediately snap at the poor child. Some days I feel that I should be wearing a witches hat and carrying a broom just to warn people around me.

Maybe that is why the book – I Didn’t Plan to Be a Witch – jumped out at me recently while visiting my local library.  With that title I couldn’t resist checking it out and seeing if at least one other person (and their little dog too!) felt the same way I did.   It was a relief to know that I’m not the only mother that feels like a witch some days. The author, Linda Eyre, told some great stories about how she had reacted to her kids and husband at times and I could completely relate.

I’ve observed in myself that often when I snap at my children I will then feel quilty and start beating myself up about what a horrible mother I am. This doesn’t seem to help me be a better mother though, if anything it makes things worse. Because now I’m feeling quilty and bad about myself, so I’m annoyed even quicker and the cycle continues. If I step back and say I’m sorry to my kids and forgive myself I seem to get some of my patience back (and lose some of my green coloring as well).