We've all lost it. You are better off coming up with a strategy to avoid having a meltdown yourself than beating yourself up when it happens. Apologizing is good, it's sets an excellent example for our kids to follow. Just make sure it isn't over the top and laced with your own maternal guilt, most difficult children either can't handle that much emotion or will use it against you. Here's some tips:
*Be flexible
*Have realistic expectations for yourself, your difficult child & other members of the family
*Have a plan B, plan C & a plan D
*Make sure you get adequate rest, nutrition and exercise
*Carve out time for you alone as well as you & your partner if applicable
*Look for humor everywhere, it really helps
*Keep a log of your triggers and your difficult child's triggers, try to avoid critical mass by having someone else handle those issues when possible
*Don't sweat the small stuff: dust bunnies and dirty socks may not be pleasant but they will wait (and multiply) until you can address them.
*Find something about your difficult child that brings you much joy and keep it running through your head like a mantra
*Tell yourself (in front of a mirror) that difficult child did not wish this upon him/herself and is not punishing you
