Stricking a balance

As you know, I have 2 small children. I stay home with them all day. And we keep pretty busy but we still spend a lot of time alone together.

Since these children are 2 and 4, things do not always run smoothly. But lately it seems that my voice is set to a frequency that can only be heard if I say things sternly or yell. I am not opposed to this on occasion but it seems like I am needing to do it all the time.

And I have to say it has been a little hard for me mentally. When the people I spend the most time talking to ignore me, I start to take it personally. And for some reason loneliness has crept in as well. This is one of those times I wished that I worked at least part-time. At least then I could have co-workers or customers to talk to even if they drive me nuts too.

I know that this is a stage that will pass and that I will find that balance. In the mean time, I do not want them to think of me as a crank and a meany. Nor do I want to be a push-over. But I am struggling to find that balance. I pray that it will come sooner rather than later (as I am sure the rest of my family would be as well).