The nagging mom!
When did this happen? How did I let this happen?
I told myself I would never nag my kids, before I had kids.
I have two good girls. They don’t talk back, they don’t lie, and they are capable of completing tasks when requested, so why the need to nag?
I find myself constantly yelling,
“chew with your mouth closed”
“sit up straight”
“comb your hair”
“go play outside”
“pick up your clothes”
My husband recently told me I should “let up” on the girls. I felt terrible. My intention was never to make them feel bad or punish them. I sat on the floor and began to think about how I’m feeling when the nagging starts. When you think about it, nagging is not the issue but a symptom of something else.
When my to-do list feels long, I start to nag. Feeling anxious about tasks, it’s easier to place the pressure somewhere else. I’ll nag about a tee-shirt on the floor or a couple of glasses left in the room.
When I feel uncomfortable in my own skin, I start to nag. Days when I can’t work out and my clothes feel snug, I shift my focus. I’ll complain about them looking sloppy or hair being messy. Being vocal about appearance is a battle for me.
When I think I have failed in some way, I start to nag. Times when the day didn’t go well or I don’t know how to solve a problem. I’ll try to fix things around me. Telling my girls to sit up straight, don’t stuff their face, and chew with their mouth closed. The things I can control.
Definition of Nagging – constantly harassing someone to do something
The word HARASS is not nice! There is a way to teach, guide and delegate without harassing. Nagging is a way to point out faults and can make people feel bad, without giving a resolution.
A couple of ways to “let up” on nagging.
Think before I speak. Is what I’m saying necessary, is it kind and is it true? If yes then carry on.
Point out a positive before a negative. This is something I should do more. “I love how your clean room looks”, now put the clothes away 😉
Remember words matter—so choose them carefully!
