1. Give yourself permission to be human
Situations like the two above remind me of how big earthquakes occur in areas where there are very few smaller ones. Without an occasional release of tension, pressure builds up over time until–wham!–the "big one" hits. We operate in much the same way. If we don't release tension in small ways throughout the day, we may be setting ourselves up for a massive "earthquake" later. I think it's important to realize that as much as we would like to have infinite patience, we don't. We definitely have our limits. Letting off a little steam here and there and respecting our limits will make everyone much happier.
2. Find healthy ways to let off steam
The tried-and-true preventative solutions you would expect to hear(and rightly so) are getting enough sleep, exercising, having social outlets, etc., but what if you're already doing those things and still find yourself losing control? I would love to hear your ideas, but the most basic things that have worked for me in the past are excusing myself from the room (perhaps storming out of the room with a look of wild rage in my eyes is a more apt description) to go beat a countertop or scream into a pillow somewhere. Sometimes it's just got to be done, and it's better than beating your kids or screaming at your husband. (Or vice versa!) In less extreme situations I like to ask myself questions such as, "Is this even going to matter in a year?" and the make light of things whenever possible.
3. Keep the blame person-neutral
Knowing your children are acting in an age appropriate way can save your mental health. Getting mad at them because they are tired/hungry/overstimulated is frustrating for both of you, and blaming them for their "bad" behavior when you've in advertently set them up to fail doesn't make sense either. It takes the pressure off both you and your child when you can simply chalk up the craziness to fatigue, hunger, miscommunication, procrastination, or whatever else may be setting everyone off. Go ahead and label the culprit (to learn from the experience), but remember that it's rarely a person.
4. Apologize after flipping out
Remember: to flip out is human; to apologize, divine. (I took a few liberties with that quote.) After giving yourself a time-out, tell your kids that sometimes mommies throw tantrums too, and you're sorry for your behavior. Obviously the phrases "time-out" and"mommy had a tantrum" don't go over well with older kids and teenagers, but I'm sure you can figure out a dialogue that works for them. A simple I'm sorry I acted like a crazy person back there – this, this and this happened and I got upset is generally enough. After apologizing, it's time to forgive yourself and move on.
5. Rebound with as little fuss as possible
Take a page from your child's book and get over "it" as quickly as possible. We've all seen the tear-stained face of a young child plastered with a big, happy grin. They are so anxious to move beyond the negative and get back to feeling happy that they can do so quickly and easily. Dwelling on negative feelings or beating yourself up for perceived weaknesses does nothing to help you or your children. Endlessly dwelling on negative experiences gives them more meaning and control over you; don't go there. Remember: You're human, and humans fall apart sometimes. Who cares? Now it's time to get back up and continue being your usually fabulous self.
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