It's a hard job but it's the best job

I've been feeling like a pretty rotten mom lately. Nothing from my old bag-o-tricks is working. My kids are fighting and screaming and being especially naughty, selfish, and disobedient. Grr. Our punishments, discipline and rewards just aren't cutting it. I had a major mommy meltdown last night. Sobbing and blubbering. It's so hard to be a parent. I was at my wits end last night and ready to apply for jobs in the morning. Maybe I'm not cut out for this stay at home mom thing, I thought. Maybe daycare can do a better job?! Yes, I was pretty pitiful.
But this morning I woke up determined. This is the only job I've ever wanted and I am good at it. Sometimes I yell too much and give in too easily but I can do better. I must do better. So first things first, no yelling! From anyone. Mama and daddy have to be calm and talk the littles through it all. No yelling anymore. Today I haven't raised my voice once and it feels so so so good. I don't feel like a meany.
This is not to say that the children have been angels. They have not. Which brings me to my next change. Be consistent. Always. No matter what. Sometimes when the offense is small and no one's bleeding I skip the time out. No more. My kids have made lots of trips to the stairs. They get a warning, of course. They no the rules. I remind them of the rules. If they break them again... Stairs.
We used to say/yell "go to the stairs!" but that always got us a "NO!!!!" in return. Frustrating, maddening and unnecessary. From now on we'll walk them to the stairs and then sit and work it out immediately. Ive made a lot of trips to the stairs today. A lot. But it's been totally worth it. I've handled everything right away and had a great chance to work out problems with each child the way they understand best.
It's only 12:30 and it's been a ton of work to discipline the 3 big kids all day but I feel like I can do it. I can be the mom I want to be and in a couple days/weeks my kids will get with the new routine.
I want to raise good, obedient, happy, giving children. I've been trying to explain how to live with a happy, giving, loving heart. To everyone. Not just mommy and daddy but everyone you meet. We're working on saying "yes, mommy" in a happy voice and leaving their super whiny voices behind. I remind them that when they ask me to fill their sippy cups, or fix a toy, or get them a snack I do not whine, cry or throw myself on the floor. I expect the same from my kiddos. I've said " remember your happy heart and voice when you talk to mommy" a lot.
So I think we're off to a good start and I feel good about being a mama again. I love my rascals.