The other day, my 11-year-old was badgering his 5-year-old brother. First, he began calling him “tartar sauce” (a family nickname; don’t ask); then he sat on his head; then he pulled his pants down. They began to brawl. I was trying to finish an e-mail. The AC was roaring. I was hot, annoyed, and tired. I shrieked at the 11-year-old to go to his room. I banished the smaller one to a far-flung iPad. And then I felt like an ogre, especially since they’re generally good kids who get along.
Sound familiar?
Newton’s Carla Naumburg is the author of the aptly named and very popular “How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent.” She’s also the mom of tweens and a clinical social worker. Her latest book, “You Are Not a Sh*tty Parent: How to Practice Self-Compassion and Give Yourself a Break,” comes out in October.
You can read the rest of this fantastic article by Kara Baskin over at The Boston Globe.
