How to Cope with Your Mother's Lectures (for Kids)

Preparing Yourself

Prepare yourself! If you have sensed your mother's lecture prior to its occurrence, or if you are often lectured, reasonably or unreasonably, by your mother, make sure that you are well prepared. Not being ready can result in the argument escalating unnecessarily.

Make preparations for stress relief. Calm yourself down by squeezing a stress ball if you have one. You may prefer to cuddle your favorite plushie to ease the stress. If you have a lucky coin or lucky rock to stroke you should do so if it will help to reduce your stress levels. Do not be afraid to embrace your personal key to reduce the stress. However, remember that once the lecture has commenced, it is unwise to use the stress relief object, unless it is quite small.

Try to relax. Do this as much as possible prior to the lecture, if you have the time to spare. Sit in a bean bag chair and close your eyes, or sit at your desk and doodle if that is your preference. While you relax try to visualize soothing, calming things like your favorite toy or an anticipated sleepover with your best friend.

Remove any and all distractions that may get in your way. Distractions include things like having to use the washroom or picking up clothing that should not be sitting on the floor. Try not to "fan the flames". To avoid any further unpleasantness, it is best to put your clothes away and to use the washroom before the lecture begins.

In the Lecture

When it is time for the lecture to begin, you will feel stressed. As suggested, do not forget to bring your choice of anti-stress object(s) along with you. Use it wisely and carefully.

Perhaps your mother may be somewhat stressed herself. You can calm yourself a little should that be the case. You are now not the only one that is experiencing stress.

If your mom sounds angry, don't cry. Crying will only increase your stress, make you feel tense and unrelaxed. Try to avoid these occurrences at all costs.

Listen to what your mother has to say even If you are sad or even if she is still angry. listen. Listening to her advice will help you to understand what you did wrong and will help you to avoid unacceptable behaviour the next time you are put in that situation.

After the Lecture

Even if you are not feeling overly stressed, it still helps to practice relaxation techniques. Repeat the activity you used to calm yourself down before the lecture. If you have other favorite stress reducing activities, you should consider using those as well. It is always goods to mix things up a little.

If your stress is extreme, do not be afraid to use all of your stress objects. Squeeze the ball, hold the plushie or whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better.

If you are still angry at your mom, it is time to get over it. Realize that you caused the trouble and brought this unfortunate circumstance on yourself. Do not blame this on your mother for something that you clearly did.