Staying Calm

Okay let me start by saying I have the best kids in the world. Okay my world. The other night around 5:30pm I was working outside trying to get the front yard looking a little nicer, and when it was time to come in at about 6:15pm Sara and Makhail wanted to go to the little park at the end of our street. Some other kids had come out to play. Sara chose to go to the park. I called to Sara and she flat out ignored me. Okay this is nothing new, but this time I was finally tired of fighting. So I called my mother (who else) and asked what she did when any of her kids did this same thing. We talked for about 45 minutes and I learned that I needed to stay calm. I knew that Sara would apologize as soon as she came in, (which was 2 hours later at 8:00pm) and she did, with the puppy dog eyes and bowed head. I almost started to laugh, but had to refrain. So as calm as could be I asked her why she stayed out and didn't come when I called her? She said in a somewhat questioning answer "I wanted to play with the kids my age.?" So then I answered with that must be fun, you have been waiting for that haven't you? It went on like this nice and calm until she realized that she still had to take a shower and go to bed. She started to yell and I stayed calm. It was interesting. Usually we yell back and forth. But not this time. She then went and did her night time routine. And went to bed. Now 7:00am comes early when you have been out playing at night. So I had to open her door so she would hear the noise of the morning. She got up and started her morning chores. And durring breakfast it all hit the fan. Sara usually reads 15 to 30 minutes while eating, however this morning she was to tired (go figure). So her screaming started. I however stayed calm and kept telling her that I loved her. She slowed down until it was time to brush her teeth. Then it all started up again. The "You don't love me" You hate me" "I'm stupid" and anything else that would usually get me going. But this time I didn't. It was wonderful. I was happy. Her fits ended a lot faster and she could calm herself down. WOW!!! Mom's really know wht they are talking about. I am know taking time with Sara to talk about her day and let her talk about what she wants to and for how long she wants to. I Love you Mom. And Thanks