There's a saying "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" and I've been thinking on it a bit lately. I think when people usually hear this they laugh and think that mama better get what she's wanting so that everyone else doesn't suffer the consequences! However, I think a better way to think of this saying would be "Mama (the woman) sets the tone for the home".
- Have you ever noticed how your attitude can quickly shift the attitude of your family--in either direction? Though I love my "job", I'm the first to admit I'm not always a happy mom & wife. I get frustrated and angry. I feel upset at times. All of us do. But when I don't properly demonstrate my frustration (by raising my voice, sighing heavily, etc) my family's attitudes start to get as icky as mine. It's like a virus that spreads through the house! My husband gets defensive, my kids get whiny and act up, and my mood goes from bad to worse. Yuck!! This is NO way to Create a Welcoming Home for the family!
- However, when Mama can take a breath, say a silent (or sometimes out loud!) prayer, and choose to set a positive tone, it's amazing the difference! The household is calmer and children respond better to you. By no means does this mean that everything is perfect, but it does flow more smoothly! And it creates an environment for the family that's much more Welcoming!!
- Funny true story: When my oldest was about 2 1/2 or 3 she was being really whiny and tantrumy one day, and out of desperation/frustration I cried out, "Lord, give me strength!". Next thing I know she's bending down and peeking under the table, scurrying to look behind a chair and under the couch. "L..., what are you doing?", I ask. She answered as only a small child could, "Lookin for de strength!" I laughed till I almost peed! How could I not be positive after that?!
Think & pray about the tone you set for your household this week! 'Cause "if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"!! :)
ps--the sign above is from: allthatcowboy.com
20 comments:
You are so right! I find myself just taking a deep breath sometimes and my daughter will say "what's wrong mom??" And I'm only honestly taking a deep breath or sighing. I hate that she thinks something is wrong! I'm working on that. Thanks for the reminder!
I LOVE your post and it is ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!! Oh, and I could echo what Marie said in her comment. Honestly, nothing is wrong.
It is up to me to set the tone in our small household and I work my best on it even when I am having a rotten day. Again, thanks for the reminder.
Absolutely SO true. I have noticed that so much lately. I usually take a few minutes to myself (even if it's in the bathroom) to collect my patience and strength...and it's amazing what a difference it makes. I wish I remembered to do it all the time!
Carrie
What a wonderful post. It is easy to get caught up in the drudgery of life, but it is more important that we recognize every blessing along the way!
So true. When I set the tone, the kids fall in line. However, a wonderfulday can be turnedon its head in an instant if Daddy comes home in a foul mood. My husband has a routine for his ride home from work. He unloads his foul mood on God during his 20 minute ride and when he gets home, he is happy to see all of us and ready to tell me about it without the harsh emotions behind it.
Great reminder!! :)
Love the sign. So true...so true... Because you are a big Halloween fan like me, I wanted to let you know that I have posted a super cute vintage Halloween print today. I would love to see what wonderful things you could create with it. Have a blessed day!!!
Oh boy has this been on my mind too. My teenagers react instantly to my tone. I often think that I am coming across as mad to them when I'm really just worried about them. I'm trying to work on this.
stacey,
amen sister! ain't that the truth. we do set the tone in our homes. thank you for that post.
Thanks for your honesty and encouragement!
Oh ..I love that story about your daughter..that is GREAT! Yes, we do set the tone for our kids and home. Great Reminder for me when they come home in about two hours...thanks!
-Sandy Toes
What an adorable post!!! And so true. Sometimes we as Moms just need to stop & smell the roses, too, as trite as that may sound. Your little terror sounds precious to me!! :0)
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Awe, what a cute story! Out of the mouths of babes...so cute. Reminded me of my daughter when she was really small she saw tears rolling down my face from watching a sad movie & she grabbed my face and said, "water face". We still say that anytime one of us has tears!
Setting the tone is such a challenge, but when it's set right, ahhh....the difference it makes.
That is so true! We don't have any kids yet but I pray that I will be able to set a good tone for my family.
Hi, Stacey! When we were in Buffalo, you and I discussed becoming vendors. Well, guess what! I did my first sale last week! I posted about it today. Check it out when you get a chance...
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Amy
Oh, so true!! Thanks for reminding us to parent on purpose. I've been on your blog a couple of times and have enjoyed it. Nice to 'meet' you!
Incredible reminder! Thanks. Did you find your "strength"? Love it!
This is so true! It's definitely up to me to set the tone in our home.
Can I get a witness? I was CRANKY a couple of days in a row this week. And the vibe in the house followed suit. It was so bad, in fact, that I asked a friend to pray for my attitude! Thanks for posting this as a word to me to keep my attitude in check as we begin a fabulous new week!
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