I'm A Bad Mom: Mommy Meltdown | Live and Love...Out Loud

I’m A Bad Mom: Mommy Meltdown

I’m a bad mom.

I’m pretty sure I just traumatized my children and looked like a complete jack*ss in the process. To make a long story short, I told my children “I’m going to my room. Mommy needs a time out.” Laptop in hand, I stormed off while muttering “I don’t want to be a mommy today. I don’t want to listen to arguing. I don’t want to change another diaper. I just want peace and quiet. Fifteen minutes of peace and quiet. Sheesh.”

Folks, it’s been one of those days. We’ve been cooped up in the house thanks to the crazy hot and humid, thunderstorm-is-on-its-way day we’re having here in Columbus, Georgia. We’re stuck in the house and I’m going nuts. The kids have been running around like chickens without heads and asking question after question and I’ve really had all I can stand.

Here are a few of the annoying questions I’ve dealt with this afternoon, followed by what I was thinking at the time. What was actually said in response to those questions is of no bearing, contains no entertainment value and not worth repeating. Trust me.

Kid: “Mommy, can we swim in the pool?”

I’m thinking: “Yes, go swim in the pool. At someone else’s house. Preferably far away from here.”

Kid: “Mom I’m hungry.”

I’m thinking: “Me too. Go and fix me a cheeseburger. Stat!”

Kid: “Mooooooooom I’m still hungry.”

I’m thinking: “This kid has a tapeworm. Really, how much more food can she fit into that gullet?”

Kid: “Can we play the PS3?”

I’m thinking: “I don’t know. Can you?”

Kid: “Lyssa’s not listening to me.”

I’m thinking: “Neither am I.”

Kid: “Lana needs her diaper changed.”

I’m thinking: “Awesome. You know where the diapers and wipes are.”

Kid: “Andre, I don’t wanna watch this show.”

I’m thinking: “I’m going to smash the TV with a hammer.”

Kid: “Hey Mom, why don’t they just build a bridge from California to Hawaii?”

I’m thinking: “I don’t know. Leave me alone.”

Look folks, I’m having one of those days. My patience has been spent and I’m having a mommy meltdown. I’m granted one of these every now and then, right?

Someone, please tell me…

How do you deal with those frustrating, mommy meltdown-worthy moments? How do you bring things back to center when all hell’s breaking loose and all you want to do is run to your bedroom and bury your head under the covers? I’m all ears.

Tags: I'm A Bad Mom, Motherhood, Word Up YO!

61 Responses to “I’m A Bad Mom: Mommy Meltdown”

Miel Abeille (24 comments) twitter: @miel_abeille

Sounds like you’ve had a rough day! Don’t worry — summer will be over in 3 – 2 – 1 (months)

I commend you on blogging about it, rather than taking it out on them. Maybe you can organize a scavenger hunt to keeps the kids occupied? Winner gets a day off from chores or $5?
Miel Abeille´s last blog post – How I (almost) saved the starving children of Africa

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

A scavenger hunt sounds like a great idea, Mis. In fact, we have a Scavenger Hunt board game. I’ll have to remember to pull it out this week. Thanks for the great idea and for stopping by. Have a great day.

Sheri (6 comments) twitter: @theshadesofpink

Don’t beat yourself up, we all have days like this.

When I am totally overwhelmed I do a variety of different things. I tend to plug in my ipod and sit in my chair in the living room and try to relax or I’ll put a movie on the for the little boys, tell them to stay quiet, and watch a movie on my computer.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

I’ll have to try the iPod trick. Thanks for mentioning that Sheri and thanks for stopping by as well. It’s always great to know that there are other mothers out there who are experiencing the same thing. Thanks again.

Rebecca (1 comments) twitter: @justaboringmom4

OMG — I’m laughing with you because I have days that are exactly the same. But I generally tell my husband “I want to go back to being single with no kids.” he gets all offended, but hey, it’s the truth some days!

I blog about it, I try to give myself a time out. If all else fails we head to grandma’s house or I call one of my teenage nieces and ask if they want the babies for a while. Then I send the boys away. I don’t care where, just away.

And when it gets REALLY bad, I call my mommy and whine.
Rebecca´s last blog post – Mamavation Monday

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

I definitely have those “I want to go back to being single with no kids” days and it’s extremely comforting to know that you and other mothers do as well. Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me Rebecca. Have a fabulous day.

britt (14 comments) twitter: @litanyofbritt

Oh, you mean that’s not supposed to be an every day occurrence? I owe my kids some candy.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! Britt, you always makes me smile. Thanks for stopping by.

Momma Drama (15 comments) twitter: @mmdrama

We all have these days! I usually go into my room and close the door for a bit and mess around on the internet with the t.v. up. It takes my mind off of things and I get a mommy time-out.

I’m really bad about questions. I can’t stand them. I try my hardest, but sometimes I tell my DD to stop asking them when I feel like I’m going to blow a gasket – thankfully she’s almost 10, so she actually stops. My almost 3 year old – does not…
Momma Drama´s last blog post – We Found a House!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Ugh! I have three children who are old enough to pester me with questions and they do. All day. lol I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day. Thanks so much for stopping by Momma Drama.

Little Mochi (58 comments)

Oh geez! I do the exact same thing… except I go and hide in the closet in my room. Crazy I know but it is the reassurance that there are three sets of doors between me and the insanity!!! And I am beginning to think all children have tape worms… I constantly have the “Mommy I’m Hungry” cry from all of them all day long.

Hang in there and be comforted in the fact that you are not in the boat all by yourself ;p

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

If my closet were carpeted, I’d totally hide in it. lol Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me Mochi Mama. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day.

Sara R-The Millennial Housewife (18 comments) twitter: @hawkfan5

Must be in the air…..I’ve had those feelings all day today. I wish that I had a secret formula to share with you that helps in that moment. I don’t, but if I did, I would patent it!!! Take a deep breath & …..have a drink? Or maybe do that when the hubs gets home?? Or just put your teenagers in charge and invite your girls over for margaritas and call it Margarita Monday. (tongue in cheek!)
Sara R-The Millennial Housewife´s last blog post – Online Coupons

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! Sara, if you ever do find the secret formula and patent it I’d like to be your spokesmodel. lol Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me. Hope you have a great day.

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alison (6 comments)

i so had one of those days yesterday. my solution? i put all of the kids to bed at 7:00 and then barricaded myself in my bedroom to watch the oh-so-ridiculous-but-i-didn’t-have-to-use-my-brain show “extreme poodles”. (and that is not for comedic relief….that’s really what i did!)
alison´s last blog post – i heart faces-week 24

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! I don’t know if the 7pm bedtime will go over well with my 15, 13 and 7 year olds. Nyquil maybe? lol Just kidding. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your suggestions. Have a great day.

alicia (233 comments) twitter: @projectalicia

Aw, Kristi… sending cyber hugs your way STAT! Deep breaths. It’s ok. We’re only human and I’m sure every mom has had days like this whether they admit it or not. I think a time out is the perfect solution. Heaven knows I’ve given myself plenty over the years. And then had long apology sessions tucking kiddos into bed at night. Btw, maybe you should read Crazy Loves Company- the pics might be comforting in the moment. I think the first weeks after school lets out is the worst as we try to reacclimate to children being around 24/7. And they are adjusting too. I know my son thrives in a structured environment. As hard as I try I can’t give him what he has at school. I’ve tried. Your responses are hilarious, but I’m sure they weren’t in the moment. Way to use humor to cope. My best strategy to date. Hang in there girl!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

You know what, I think you hit it on the head. We’re all just trying to get reacclimated to the new “schedule” or lack thereof. I hope things begin to settle down for us all soon because mommy needs to catch up on her blogging without interruptions! lol Just kidding. Thanks for stopping by and sympathizing with me. It’s always nice to know that I’m not alone. Have a great day Lish.

Kristy (59 comments)

Absolutely you’re aloud! And it’s good for the kids too. A little scaring is sometimes just what they need. Make them think you’re crazy. Keep them on their toes. My husband had a moment like that earlier. I could tell. He had had it. I said, Let me do that. He said, Daddy needs to get away. I said, Go. He left to ride his bike. Then, it started raining. He was still gone for two hours! I’m sure he’ll feel much better later. When I need that, I make up an errand that I have to go on. Going to my room doesn’t work. They all can find me there.
Kristy´s last blog post – Daddy Anxiety

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Awww, Kristy you’re so nice to step in and take over in order to give your husband a break. Would you like to marry me perhaps? lol Thanks for stopping by. It’s always nice to know that I’m not the only mom struggling with this stuff. Motherhood is no joke! By the way, I was just thinking about you earlier this evening. Were your ears ringing? lol

Chelsey (4 comments)

Nope. Not a bad mommy. Just a real Mommy. Getting a break is necessary. I think I need one…
Chelsey´s last blog post – I heart faces: all about babies

Shell (22 comments) twitter: @shellthings

Get out of my head.

Or don’t…because it’s nice to know I’m not alone in feeling like that.

I actually will tune out my kids and read a book or blog when I feel like that. As long as I know they are safe, it’s okay for me to tune out for a little bit. Then I feel more sane.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Oh Shell, I tried and tried to tune them out but I have a 15, 13, 7 and 1 year old and they were *sigh* Mommy had a meltdown and needed a major time out! lol Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me.

Nancy (14 comments) twitter: @WhispersInspire

I’m sending you good vibes m’dere! I’ve yet to experience this considering the age difference between my girls. Though I know I will probably be in for similar days as this.

All I can say is that we are all human & we all have our limits. The best thing to do is walk away when you are overwhelmed. Another thing to remember is that tomorrow is a new day. It will be better! Good luck m’dere!

-NPC
Nancy´s last blog post – Do You Have a Picky Eater? 6 ways to Success!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks for the encouragement Nancy. It’s nice to know that I’m not crazy. lol Thanks for stopping by.

Ms. Understood (12 comments)

Sorry you had such a hard day. I read so many of the mommy blogs and I think “These women are superhuman.” Sometimes you do need a 15 minute time out. Even Superman used to go to the fortress of solitude for some peace and quiet.
Ms. Understood´s last blog post – He broke my heart when I was 9

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Nope, no superhuman here. This mama has meltdowns and needs a time out every now and then. It’s just nice to know that I’m not alone. Thanks for stopping by!

Jen (76 comments)

I just have to say that I totally feel your pain. I have not liked being a mommy lately either. And has for how I handle those rough days? Wine, lots and lots of wine.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Wine? Wish I had some! lol Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me. It’s so reassuring to know that I’m not alone in this. Have a fabulous day.

Pua (4 comments) twitter: @Puasaurusrex

My days of not wanting to be a mommy often times coincides with my days of not wanting to be a wife. Unfortunately, they do not always happen on a Saturday or Sunday where I can get her dressed, hand her over to him and say “go away.” So I pretend my stomach has been acting up and hide in the bathroom making farting noises for a little while.
Pua´s last blog post – Pregnancy blows

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! You’re hilarious Pua. Thanks for the laugh and making me feel like I’m not alone. Have a great day.

gigi (36 comments) twitter: @gigi927

I think you’re describing what’s in moms’ heads around the globe right now. I have no good suggestions. If I did, my kids wouldn’t be calling me mean mommy for not entertaining them every second of the day, for not letting them have McDonald’s for every meal, and for not always answering their questions
gigi´s last blog post – Movies A Guy Should Commit To

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

From one mean mommy to another, thanks for stopping by and making me feel like I’m not alone. It’s always nice to have another worn out mama to commiserate with. Have a grea day Gigi.

liz (155 comments)

I can’t believe with as worn out and aggravated as you are, you STILL figured out a way to use gullet!! I think you deserve double points for that!

I hope you get your quiet so you can regroup. Thanks SO much for joining in!
liz´s last blog post – Life Just Kinda Happens

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! I initially published the post without “gullet”, but a few minutes later I remembered the meme and the fact that I had a perfect spot for the word. Long story short, I didn’t have to edit but two words. Glad I could play along. And guess what…I found a use for “gullet” in my OH NO HE DIDN’T! post either. You’ll have to stop by and take a look when you get a chance. Thanks for stopping by again Liz. Have a great day.

Natalie (35 comments) twitter: @mommyofamonster

I had this day on Saturday, so my Saturday post was very close to being the same as your opening paragraph! Mommy brains must work the same way

I love how you said what was going on in your head!! I think things and immediately think “I’m going to hell for thinking that!”…now I just know I’m normal!

Thanks for linking up – your use of gullet was fantastic!
Natalie´s last blog post – Berries, Bruises, and Smash Ups, Oh My!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Our mommy brains must be connected somehow. That or the children around the world are hard wired to be naughty over summer break. lol Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me Natalie. It’s nice to see another comment from you. Have a good day.

Emily (9 comments) twitter: @getlostwithlynn

All of us have days like that! Sometimes they come more often & more frequently, but it’s just a part of life. The important thing is that you have an outlet & can blog about it and know that you’re not the only one that feels this way! I don’t really have any suggestions for you other than handing parenting duties over to your hubby – and unfortunately that’s not always practical or possible. Just keep breathing – your silly thought replies just made my day a little better too. Thanks!
Emily´s last blog post – Baby Sweetness

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thank you so much for the encouragement Emily. I really appreciate that. Thanks for stopping by and making me feel like I’m not alone. It’s so nice to know that there are other mothers in the same boat.

BigMamaCass (4 comments) twitter: @BigMamaCass

HAHAHAHA! OMG! Those days are the worst!! Even if he refuses nap I make him go into his room and I close the door and hide in my room with the headphones on blaring music into my ears. It’s easy because I can just watch him on the video monitor and let out some steam. And I blog. That ALWAYS helps
BigMamaCass´s last blog post – My Superhuman Speed {Getting to Know You}

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Darn it! I need to invest in a video monitor for my living room. I could leave all four kids in there and watch them from the comfort of my bed. Genius! Thanks for the idea. lol And thanks for stopping by and sympathizing with me as well. Have a great day.

Bethany (18 comments)

Nice gullet usage! i still haven’t found an excuse.

I wish I had some words of wisdom here, but I think everyone’s kids drive them crazy from time to time. You’re allowed a bad mom day. Like once a week.

And the rule for diapers here is: First one to smell it changes it. Okay, that’s what I try to make the rule, but no one ever changes diapers around here but me.
Bethany´s last blog post – Discipline: The Creative Part of Parenting

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Haha! I love the diaper rule. It’s too bad it doesn’t work though. I’m glad you appreciated my use of “gullet”. I also used it in my “OH NO HE DIDN’T!” post today. Stop by and check it out if you get a chance. Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me. Have a great day.

Amanda's Thoughts (4 comments)

Wow I had this same day today, as we had to buy another pool because someone sliced the ones my children had. So we had to put the new one up and well the Thunderstorms here put a stop to that for a while, then we finally got it up and now still at 12:11 am the next day we are still filling it up and my oldest son just woke up and asked me if he could go swimming in it. Not only did that happen, in the process of putting the pool up today my 2 year old daughter decided she wanted to paint her hair and her body purple with nail polish and I still can not figure out how to get that out. And we also had my nieces for a bit because my sister is going to the hospital in the morning to have her 3rd girl! So we had children here from 2-8 and the never ending questions and telling on eachother, so I decided I would rather stand on the back pouch during the thunderstorm and left my husband with the children!
Amanda’s Thoughts´s last blog post – I Heart Faces:Babies

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Wow! What a day. Good luck with the nail polish removal Amanda. Have you tried letting her sit in the bathtub for a long period of time? It might separate from the skin and chip off. Thanks for stopping by and commiserating with me. It’s always great to know that I’m not alone when it comes to those mommy meltdowns. Have a fabulous day.

Lisa (8 comments)

first of all, love this post….i know you are aggrevated, but it was REALLY funny. it’s things we all say in our heads!! love love it!! and if it makes you feel any better, i also have my husband home this summer as well as the 3 kiddos….he WORKS FROM HOME! good times! xanax helps me! good luck and just keep taking those time outs….i take a piss for up to 15 minutes at a time with my gossip mags! (((hugs)))

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks Lisa. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It’s great to know that we moms aren’t alone when it comes to these mommy meltdowns. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Joni Rae (12 comments) twitter: @kitchenwitch

You are so not alone. I’m right there with you. Sometimes my kids drive me absolutely batty.
Joni Rae´s last blog post – The huz… He rocks my world.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

It’s so good to know that I’m not alone! Thanks for stopping by Joni Rae.

Our Sentiments (9 comments) twitter: @oursentiments

Wow are you ever having the day I have been having lately. I am having Mommy/Daycare Provider moments. Ugg, hugs via internet.
Our Sentiments´s last blog post – Oh, No He Didn’t Tuesday

The Drama Mama (145 comments) twitter: @writesidemama

What do I do? I just turn my hearing aid off.

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Too funny! Thanks for the smile. I should’ve known that all I had to do was go to Drama Mama for advice. Thanks for stopping by.

Katie's Dailies (5 comments) twitter: @rnrgrl

I think every good momma needs to hide her head under her pillow now and then. After all, we’re still learning, too, aren’t we?

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

I don’t know. Can I still use the “I’m still learning” excuse while having a 15, 13, 7 and 1 year old? lol Thanks for stopping by Katie. Hope your week is going well.

KLZ (64 comments) twitter: @TamingInsanity

Great, great use of the WOW! Sometimes the words just call to you, no?

I think kids should totally double as short order cooks. It’s only fair.
KLZ´s last blog post – Word Up, Yo!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

You know, I think you’re on to something KLZ. Kids as short order cooks…I love it! I’ll start training mine, stat! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the laugh.