Back on track as vacation is about to start

I think I have entered a new phase of parenting.

When my kids were younger, I used to dread vacation. I knew that as soon as they were out of school/day care my days would come to a screeching halt. I got nothing done for work. Nothing done for the house. And my patience level, which isn't so high to start off with, was usually a long-lost memory within the first 6 minutes of the day.

I have had my youngest home for the last couple of days and I have come to the realization that I don't have babies anymore. It's no longer difficult for me run out of the house at a moments notice. They can just hop in the car with me. They can put on their own seatbelts. They can open and close the car door by themselves. Not that I can't do it for them, but there is a part of me that doesn't want to HAVE to. I want them to be independent creatures. I want them to WANT to be with me, but not NEED me for their every physical need. I know that I will regret ever having said this or felt this way, as they get older and I long for the baby smell and the little soft bodies that rely on you for everything, but for right now, I'm enjoying the stage that I'm in! I no longer dread vacation, but I long for it with the same excitement I did as a kid. Lazy mornings. Hot days playing outside. Days of practical nothingness.

Finally!

Not the parent I expected to be

This is something that I think about constantly.

With my first child, I was the perfect parent. I had more patience than I have ever known. I was in awe of her every breath. I was in awe of my husband for being her father. I prioritized well and my daughter was always on the top of that list. She didn't watch anything on TV until she was 6 months old (nothing!).

We were perfect parents because she was the perfect child.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Fast-forward 8 and a half years and 2 kids later: Patience is really thin. Working from home (read: I never leave my workplace). My ability to prioritize is hampered by the fact that I really just want a few days off. From work. From home. From LIFE! Put a pretty drink in my hand. Sit me in the sun and let me bake.

What happened to that perfect parent?

The way I see it, it is so much easier to manage life when you are eased into it. First kid. Easy first kid. That helps. With each additional family member comes additional challenges, personality conflicts, eating issues, sleeping issues, pooping issues.

I manage this with yelling.

I never said I manage it well. But yelling has become my go-to thing that they listen to. This is a very big problem in my opinion. I feel like crap after I yell, but I yell because I have already asked them nicely to come downstairs, come upstairs, come to dinner, start homework, get dressed, get in pajamas, get in the shower, get out of the shower,... 4 or 5 times.  I can't ask nicely anymore.  They don't even respond with a grunt when I ask nicely. When the crazy yelling mommy shows up, they come downstairs, come upstairs, come to dinner, start homework, get dressed, get in pajamas, get in the shower, get out of the shower,...

I need help and suggestions to avoid yelling but get them to listen. I need a plan of action that I can stick to.

I'm putting this out there because I know how many parents feel the exact same way. Please post your suggestions, ideas, tricks in the comments so that everyone can benefit from them. We can all try and see what works for us.

I know my kids will be grateful. And so will I.