Deep breaths...just sitting here taking some deep breaths. We all have them, days that start out chaotic and keep spiraling regardless of our attempts to salvage, restart, or change our mindset. Some days it just seems like the universe is against us.

My best advice these days is “let it go”. There is only so much that we can do. And let’s be real sometimes it’s just easier to go with the flow and ride the wave. The path of least resistance can help us come out less exhausted and less frustrated.

Breathe, whatever will be, will be. Whatever is happening - it’s not worth getting all riled up about. You don't need that kind of stress in your life.

This particular day when the Jupiter was in the third house or something weird was in the water. My children were running around like little hooligans while my partner and I were trying to coral them and get them ready for school.

Current state of affairs:

10 yr old is having her own dance party in the playroom because she was “ready to go”. Which means that she still needs shoes on her feet, to brush her teeth and fill up her water bottle.

6 yr old is on an adventure in her own imagination. Her play backpack packed, talking to herself and thoroughly ignoring us. Refusing to get ready until her adventure is complete.

3 and 5 yr old just running around because they like being chased and would prefer to live life in their underwear rather than getting dressed.

I just started a new job and while my work is flexible and understanding I prefer to be on time. Unfortunately for me, my kids don’t give one hoot about being on time. This was one of those days I lost it. I yelled. And they ended up cooperating, but it didn’t feel good. Yelling is one of those generational cycles that I want to break.

Breaking generational cycles is not easy. It’s so ingrained in me to just yell when my kids aren’t doing what I want. I have to remind myself that my children are human too. I know they’re trying their best. I need to support them to make good choices. Sometimes the chaos gets the best of me.

When I don’t succeed in breaking the cycle and mess up an apology is in order. I go to each of my kids when I’m calm and apologize for my actions. I want them to see me being accountable for my actions. I know what I did was wrong regardless of my frustrations and I want to be better.

The next step is asking them “How can I help you in the mornings both get some play time and get ready for school?” We often have to work on our routine because kids with low impulse control and ADHD need both structure and some autonomy.

We tend to rotate through solutions for time management. We’ll have one solution that works for two - four weeks and then change to something different when that stops being effective. Fortunately, with ADHD we can just cycle through solutions, and they think it’s a fun new thing that I’m trying.

Keep your chin up. Continue striving to break those generational cycles and give yourself grace when you stumble. Remember it's ok to take it one day at a time.