First recorded NVC success

I had just given the kids a snack, and they decided to get up and walk around with their milk. Pretty quickly, Molly spilled her milk on the floor. I said, "molly, I see that there is milk on the floor. We need a towel." And then waited. Molly said, "yeah!" and looked at me. I said, would you like me to help you find a towel? *Molly nodded.* "Okay, here is a towel for wiping up milk."

Dylan calls to me: "Mama, I need more snack!"

Molly walks away, saying, "You wipe it."

I feel the itching/achy feeling in my chest and arms and the top of my head--I"m getting upset. I tell them, Mama needs a time in! And walk to the the bathroom. While using the loo, I think to myself: "I am sad. My little girl should clean up her mess. I am angry that I am expected to clean up the mess. I am stressed out by home, moving, work, and Dylan demanding more snack."

I went out and told Dylan: "I need a moment to talk to Molly about the mess. Then I will get more snack." *he nodded*

I sat Molly onmy knee near the milk. I said, "Molly, there is a mess on the floor. It needs to be cleaned up. Mama feels sad because she needs help cleaning up the mess. Can we talk about this more? *Molly nodded.* I have an idea. *Molly looks at me.* Mama will put the cloth on the mess, and Molly will dance on it. Does that sound like it will work? *Molly nodded.* Okay!

I put the towel on the milk, and said, "okay, you may dance on it now!" Molly stepped on the towel and wiped it with her foot! I said, "Thank you! That is a big help. Would you also help me put the towel in the washer? *molly nodded, picked up the towel, and walked to the laundry room.*

Not perfect, but I didn't yell at anyone! Yay!