Parenting When You Are in a Bad Mood

Q: What makes you feel better when you are in a bad mood?

A:  It depends on why I am in a bad mood.  First of all, I think it is important to articulate to older children that you need some space because you are in a bad mood.  This way your child has the "heads up", before setting you off.  If I am very tired, I will either let my 2-year old watch a favorite video (reserved for special times) or take her up to her room where I can lay down on the floor and not have to worry about her getting into trouble.  Sometimes I need to get out to improve my mood, so we may jump into the car and go out to the mall or playground.  It just depends.  Now you might have been thinking, "What if the older child does not leave you alone?"  My younger son is notorious for that.  Even though I tell him that I just need some time alone, he either feels the need to cheer me up or just totally ignores the fact that I want to be alone.  In this case, he will be given an ultimatum to go do something in another room or he will be sent to his room.  Obviously if your bad mood lasts for a long time, and you cannot seem to get over it, then you need to talk to your doctor.