None of us are perfect and we all have ‘off’ days were we wish we had handled things differently or reacted in a calmer more rationalised way. Sleep deprivation, stress and not having a moment to yourself can all add up to you feeling like you’re not being the best parent in the world!You may look at others and wonder how they are so calm, caring and so great at being parents…..no-one is perfect even if to the outside world they manage to appear so, behind closed doors it could be a different story…… 

Before you become a parent it’s easy to look at the child throwing a tantrum in the supermarket and think ‘gosh, no child of mine will behave like that’, however the reality can sometimes be different. 

If you and your child are both tired and feeling grumpy it can be a recipe for disaster. Most children go through stages of being difficult. 

• Not putting their shoes on even after you asking over and over again!

• Eating poorly or refusing the meal you’ve just prepared

• Getting them into bed at night and staying in bed.

The list is endless…………. 

Sometimes with all the stress we are under it is easy to feel like you are constantly shouting, yelling and not enjoying their company. 

Try and take time out, if everyday after school they come home and start tearing around the house, take them to the park instead. Let them let off their steam outside, the fresh air will do you all good. Maybe you can join them on the swings……Did you know a small child smiles up to 332 times a day while adults only smile on average 8 times…… 

Just remember no-one is perfect, try not to be too hard on yourself and smile!