Don’t forget to laugh!

Your baby just smeared peanut butter all over himself. Your toddler accidentally knocked over the trash. Your tween used your hair dye to give the dog some color. Your teen has just come home with a pierced nose. Your husband has just come home and is asking what’s for dinner. A single item hasn’t been crossed out in your to-do list. Oh, and you forgot to pay the bills.

All the chaos can easily send you screaming out of the house, or worse, screaming at the people in the house. What would you do if this happens to you?

Image credit: areyoumyrik

You could choose to find the humor in the mess there is. I know, it’s easier said than done. But think about it — if you blow your top and raise your voice, it creates a chain reaction. The people around you go into grouchy mode too. Before you know it, everyone at home is grouchy. Not only is the home chaotic, it’s also a ball of negativity.

So maybe you could try laughing. You could choose to be joyful. It’s the more difficult path to take, but the more rewarding one. Have a laugh at Peanut Butter baby — take a picture of it. It’ll make for a good story to tell when he grows older. Ask your older kids to help clean up the trash. Choose to order a pizza instead of slaving over the stove just to please the family. Actively look for ways to maintain your cool and stay positive. Your positivity will cause a joyful chain reaction too.

Grouchiness is just as contagious as happiness. Which one will you go for?