Ditching the Cranky Monster Mom

There’s an old saying: “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

In most homes, Mom sets the tone. She’s the temperature gauge. If she’s in a great mood, everything else will run smooth.

Many women enter motherhood envisioning themselves as patient, kind, loving, soft, and gentle. And when they actually have a child, they’re confronted with the reality that children have a will of their own from infancy.

Children have an incredible way of pushing a mom’s buttons and triggering what author Becky Kopitzke calls the “momster.” Motherhood will find a way to squeeze out the most sinful parts of a woman, even one who strives to be under control and in tune with God. Even the strongest Christian women can struggle to keep themselves together.

The remedy begins with the understanding that the problem lies not in your child’s behavior, but in your own heart. Children aren’t the enemy. You’re on the same team. If you start with that truth as the foundation, then you can approach every challenging circumstance in a God honoring way. Look at yourself first, understand what you do and don’t have control over, then recognize that Jesus can help you tame the monster.

When you fail, give yourself grace, and remind your children that they are loved. You don’t want your children to think that God’s love – or yours – is dependent on their performance.

Becky Kopitzke is with us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Ditching the Cranky Monster Mom.” Becky will help you ditch the parenting monster when it rears its ugly head and create a more peaceful home by embracing kinder, gentler responses with your children.

Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Becky Kopitzke’s book The Cranky Mom Fix: How to Get a Happier, More Peaceful Home by Slaying the “Momster” in All of Us is available for a gift of any amount. Visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).