You can say to yourself that you are exhausted – you worked a big day and life is pushing you along. You feel bewildered at times – you just don’t know what to do as a parent and you feel so mad that you are treated with a lack of respect. The beginning of getting through this is to recognise your feelings and just give them permission to be there.
The conversation you need to have with yourself might sound like this, “Well, Rachel, this is hard for you right now. You feel daunted by these feelings – exhaustion, bewilderment and hurt. Breathe in a bit. No talking back right now. A little glass of water first. This can be worked out.”
Take a minute, and then you can be there for your daughter who can’t manage her own big feelings yet – but is going to be able to with your help.