When you feel that steam beginning to rise, you become short and snappy, and you say a phrase more than once (you're driving me bananas was mine) - it's time for a time out. You can have those moments. You WILL have those moments! Just have a plan. My plan was to sit under the table. Unlike the momma who put her apron over her head to pray (it was Susanna Wesley - look it up!), my place to settle, my time out, was under the table. Our five littles, ages 1 to 7, would crawl under with me, stroke my damp cheeks, pet my hair, or crawl into my lap, "We're all being quiet now, momma. Momma, see? We're quiet. We can be quiet. We can say here until you're ready." I would feel embarrassed, but it was needed. Sometimes once a month, other times (especially during pregnancies, once a day.) Don't lose your cool... just before it happens... find your time-out spot. And it's ok if they join you there. Maybe it's under a blanket, in a corner, or under the table like me - you're showing the children that when things get too much, you need a small retreat. And it's ok! Where does this come from? Who are you trying to impress? You are not failing. Listen to a message I would have told myself if I could go back and talk to my younger self. #charlottemasonhomeschool #FlipFlopSpanish #SpanishGeniuses #Homeschoolinglife #homeschoolingmom #homeschoolmomlife #SeriouslySuzanne