It’s easy to get impatient when trying to get out the door with small children. However, a repeated rushing can teach our kids some unintended lessons.

This morning was busy. Although I got up early for a head start, we were still running behind. And we struggled to get out the door on time.  We made it to the car just in time, only to need to go back inside to change a surprise dirty diaper.

As we finally left home, I took a deep breath to compose myself. Then our son vocalized what I was already saying in my head. “Hurry mommy, we’re going to be late!“

Then, he turned to his sister, “Baby, you maybe made us late”.

Uh oh.

While I didn’t use the words ‘hurry up’, our son picked up on my impatient rushing. It wasn’t hard, as I demanded the kids put their shoes and coat on now.

Then there’s all those other times I’ve told our kids ‘we’re going to be late’ or to ‘hurry up’ plenty of times. An ongoing pattern.

Sigh. While it’s one thing for him to tell me to hurry, I don’t want him blaming his sister. Wonder where he learned that? I have been careful not to say a specific person made us late. However, I have been guilty of blaming something. You know, we’re late because of that lost shoe, temper tantrum, or problem. It isn’t surprising he was perceptive enough to translate that as blaming the person.

Yep. Nothing like my own hurried, careless words being repeated by our child to stop me in my tracks.

Yep. Nothing like my own hurried, careless words being repeated by our child to stop me in my tracks. #momproblems #momlife #motherhood #thisgratefulmama #momfail Click To Tweet

Perhaps rushing around like a crazy lady morning after morning isn’t doing any of us any good.

I’ve been thinking about what I’ve really been teaching them with this pattern of impatient rushing. I often excuse the craziness of getting out the door by telling myself that being on time is a necessary life skill. Don’t get me wrong, it is, but not like this.

I do want them to learn to be on time and respect the time of others. But I really want them to learn how to be on time without rushing, which requires preparation, flexibility, and grace. Even if we need to hurry once in a while, it can be done without barking demands. And, sometimes, unexpected things happen – it is ok to be a little late.

In truth, it is better to be late and not be a big ball of stress with two cranky kids in tow when we get there. You’d be cranky too if you were rushed into the car by an impatient mama!

What is the point of being on time if you’ve exasperated yourself and those around you in the process?

While I’ve heard the phrase “timeliness is next to godliness“, I’m pretty sure God is appalled by the rushed methods employed by many parents as we force our kids out the door.

While I may reinforce the importance of being on time, there is much more our kids learn from my hurry. And most of it is unimpressive.

What My Impatience Teaches Our Kids As I Rush Them Out The Door:

Their last-minute (albeit important) need is a hassle

If our kids feel their needs are a hassle, they may begin to feel they, themselves are a hassle. I should be grateful we had the chance to change that diaper BEFORE we left, even if it means removing the little one’s coat, hat, mittens and boots, and putting them all on again (yes, it is snowing in April in MN)

Being too busy is OK, and a way of life

Ooft. Is this how I want them to live their lives? And treat their families when they grow up? Nope.

Being late is an excuse to forego kindness and gentleness

We taught Ephesians 4:32 to our son and often talk about being kind to others. As I hurry him along, sighing and making demands, I’m a hypocrite, undermining my own efforts. Of course he will turn around and do the same to his sister. He learned it from his mama!

Being on-time, in tears, angry or frazzled is better than being late

Nothing like a stressed out, tearful family, on-time on to church, because that will get our family in the mood to worship the Lord (note the sarcasm).

What’s next is more important than right now

There is nothing wrong with purposeful preparation, but worrying is a whole different thing. Our kids will never learn to just be if I’m impatient to move on to the next thing or teach them that what we are doing now is taking too long.

Being on-time is more important than pausing to help them learn

There are skills our kids need to learn. And, these skills won’t always be quick. Whether it’s zipping their coat, tying shoes or asking questions, I need to slow down long enough to let them try.

Getting ready to go isn’t fun 

When getting out the door always ends with an exasperated mama or kids in tears, it’s not fun. I would drag my feet too.

Everything must be done quickly

We don’t have time to appreciate details, make observations or ask questions. Oh, the teachable moments I am missing!

A schedule is more important than what they are doing now

They slow me down

I never want our kids to think I’d rather they weren’t with me so I could go faster. Unfortunately, my words or actions may communicate exactly that. Ouch.

In a hurry, their feelings don’t matter

Have you ever told your child you don’t have time for their meltdown? Sadly, I have. And I’ve told them this, even when it was fueled by my own sharp tone. How wrong is that?

They can’t do anything right, or fast enough

When we haven’t allowed enough time, we’re rushing. Then it’s likely good that our kids can’t do whatever it is fast enough. When hurrying, they will make mistakes, especially if I’m barking orders to hurry.

If you’re late, it’s ok to be cranky, all the way there

Sometimes we just need to accept we’re late. Don’t sit with clenched jaws in a car full of tension all the way there, turn on the radio and move on! Better to be there happy and late, than stressed and still just as late.

There are very few instances where the cost of impatient rushing is really worth it. Time to slow down, mama!

Additional Resources

5 Lessons Impatience Teaches Children, Faithful Moms

What Slowing Down Teaches Your Children That Rushing Never Will, Christianity Today