Grown Ups Need “Think Time,” Too

By Stacy Lamont

“Go take some think time.”
I don’t know how many times I said this to my children when they were very little. Why is it that sometimes we fail to practice what we preach as parents?
I could really use a “think time” myself, sometimes, couldn’t you?
There are times when I feel as though I am about to lose my temper with my kids, and I know stopping myself and saying a prayer before I speak changes my perspective. It allows me the grace to control myself, and I am grateful to God for that.

As Catholic parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children about self-control and conflict resolution. It is important for them to see how you not only tell them to take a minute to think about what they have done wrong, but also that you do the same.

None of us is perfect, and I think that is important for our kids to see, too! Your children are bound to see you lose your cool, whether it is aimed at them or at someone else, but let them also see your process to gain back your self-control.
You may even explain (to older children) how you did it. Give yourself a time out once in a while; you will be glad you did.