How have the first month of 2020 been treating you, Mama?
Does anyone else like a fresh page like the start of a new year or new decade as much as me?
We had a great winter break and it was such a nice family time. But it seems long time ago now and we are back to full speed.
Many families face burnout at this time of year. And it’s only the end of January!
The cold dark days of winter can contribute to exhaustion, but some small doable changes can help us find our second wind.
What to do?
Lower your expectations.
- Don’t just put an activity on your shelf because you saw it on Instagram or because it’s next in the sequence – consider your child, the activity and make sure it’s a good fit.
- Don’t just follow the advice from my blog or books, make sure it suits your family. Don’t have a house rule or value because you saw it somewhere else, but add it when you can be sure it helps you.
- Don’t rush your children, and make sure you schedule in slow time, playful projects, cuddling up with a good read-aloud, and reasonable expectations.
- Don’t expect young children to work for very long without a break!
Instead do:
- Schedule breaks — Whether it’s a chance for children to blow off steam outside, or for you to get a breather, when you see that emotions are rising, take a break!
- Smile at your children— It’s easy for our faces to reflect the heaviness of our calling, as we try to meet the needs of babies and toddlers while helping with homework to young children. Put a few reminders up to smile, so that your children know that you LOVE them whenever their emotions are difficult or they’re struggling.
- Respect the child— speak and listen to your child as you would an adult
- Slow down— plan less, explore life with your child at a slow pace, and allow time for movement, conversation and gaining cooperation
- Include them in daily life— young children like to be involved in food preparation, setting the table, cleaning, doing laundry, doing the shopping and more
- Be the guide— we are the adult guiding them (give as much help as needed and as little as possible) rather than being their boss (do as I say) or being their servant (I’ll do everything for you)
- Prepare ourselves— to look after ourselves to have patience, to fill our own bucket, to understand our own triggers, and find ways to come back to calm when needed
Whether it has been smooth sailing or you’ve officially kicked yours or family’s resolutions to the curb, remember that there’s no expiration date on your goals (you can find mine here).
Anyway, I would like to ask you:
- What topics are you interested in?
- What would you like to read about on the blog?
- What to tell more about?
Please, send me PM or comment below. And connect with me via email hi@amotherjoy.com or Instagram here.
Your thoughts are important for me!
Thank you.
Joanna
