boy, does it feel uncomfortable at times...
No kidding- excruciatingly uncomfortable at times.. and like Freedom said avoidance of that discomfort kept me stuck and not behaving in my interests for a long time too.
I have found that each time I stay in it - just walk through the discomfort - I emerge a wee bit stronger and clearer-headed...for me it takes a lot of discipline - I actually had to spend a year practically just saying "No." to every request until I was comfortable with that word!
I hope the weeks ahead are peaceful for you and your children Mr. B.
Peace-
B.