Kids are often a wonderful but also difficult blessing. You have little humans who need your help and attention all the time. You have little humans that can’t fend for themselves and require you to survive. Amidst this, you also need to support yourself, and by taking care of yourself, you can best take care of your children. Here are five tips to help keep your kids from driving you crazy:
1. Take a Trip Away From Your Kids
Whether you want to travel somewhere far away for a week, take a staycation for a weekend, or even just a day trip, taking some time for yourself and your partner can be a great way to recharge and rejuvenate. Take some time for yourself, so you don’t become burnt out and can’t function.
Some of my favorite options are traveling somewhere new, close or far, like staying at a hotel in Seattle, Washington, USA, where they have beautiful views and many activities. Finding activities close to home is also a great and more budget-friendly option and doesn’t have to be any less fun or relaxing! You can find a hotel nearby and take a night away, or you can even just plan a date night for yourself or your partner.
We know that finding a babysitter can be challenging, but there are a variety of options including, but not limited to:
- Give your kids a “vacation” to a family member or friend’s house.
- Made a Trade! Ask a neighbor or friend to watch your kids, and you will watch theirs another time!
- Hire a babysitter. You can use a babysitter site, a trusted neighbor, friend, family member, or even a job posting.
2. Have a Routine
This may be easier said than done, but having a routine can help you feel in control and on top of things. If you know that your kids will be in bed by a specific time, you can have a time set aside that you know you can look forward to being able to relax during.
Having a routine also takes some guesswork and planning out of your day! You know when things are going to happen and are able to mentally and physically prepare for them. This can allow you to get more things done but also have a goal to get to. Having a routine also provides your kids with expectations of what and when things are happening.
3. When You Say Something, Mean It.
When your kids know you are going to follow through with what you say, they are more likely to listen and not push (I didn’t say they wouldn’t push at all, but they are maybe more likely not to push as hard). When you say “no” but do “yes” anyways, your child may think they can push to get what they want every time. In addition, by choosing to stick to what you say, you make it easier on yourself by not having to decide if you’re going to stick to your word or not.
As the Empowering Parents article about saying “no” says, “your job is to set the limit, not to control how your child feels about it or reacts to it.” This doesn’t mean you don’t express understanding of their feelings or empathize with them, but rather that you can’t let your kids being sad sway you from your boundaries.
4. Go Outside
Whether this means you go for a walk, go to the park, play in the yard, or sit on your porch, getting outside can significantly help. It can provide an opportunity for your kids to do something that seems more interesting with the change in scenery and can give you a moment to breathe and relax. Going outside also simulates your production of Vitamin D and boosts your serotonin which can improve your mood and health, among other things.
5. Be an Example
Our kids watch us as much, if not more than they listen to us. When we show them how to act or behave, it teaches them just as much as telling them something teaches them. Be respectful to them and others, and show them that respect is how you treat people. Eat the vegetables you want them to eat. Brush your teeth with them so they see that you should brush your teeth. Do the things you want them to do, and they will notice. They will pick it up because they want to be like you!
Conclusion
Sometimes we just need to sit down and remember that they are little and are learning. Their brains and bodies have yet to finish growing or developing. They aren’t trying to make your life difficult and are just kids learning how this world works. Remember that you are raising the future and that it is all going to work out and be ok. You got this, and don’t forget to give yourself some slack!
Written by: Nia Sherwood