The first thing we need to do is to learn to laugh. The sooner we can laugh at ourselves, or a variety of situations the better off we will be. Laughter gives you a different perspective on life. It releases endorphins into your system and soon you will find yourself physically feeling better. I once read an article about a man that laughed his way to health by watching one comedy movie after another. There is something incredibly healthy about seeing life from the lighter side. I have learned that people like to be around people that are happy. The interesting thing is I like being around me when I am happy! So practise laughing.
The second step you can take if you find your mind going over and over a situation with your child is to forgive them. The word, ‘forgive’, means to pardon an offence. You need to release forgiveness as a parent to your child. When you forgive you pardon an offence or a feeling of being wronged. Forgiveness not only lifts that feeling of being offended or wronged off you but also lifts the punishment and consequences off your child. It then restores your relationship in a loving caring manner. In different situations I would often say to our children, ‘I choose to forgive you’. There was nothing in me that would want to but as an act of my will, devoid of my feelings, I would.
To establish a loving family atmosphere in your home does not mean you won’t have problems or hassles. The real question is how to deal with it so you will have a happy home. This is essential. You need to learn to forgive your children. It releases them from constantly feeling your displeasure and it releases you to respond in love. Then laugh. Start to remember the funny things they did or said and enjoy the moment.