We talked about how to stop those temper tantrums, but even after our best efforts, sometimes they continue. Some days there is just one too many things on your plate, and you feel yourself tipping. What we wouldn’t give to have a little break for a minute.
When you feel things starting to tumble, do you feel yourself lash out, shut down, or the tears start coming? I know we often hide in the bathroom and silently cry for a minute and then give ourselves a little pep talk. I know I can be pretty hard on myself and in those moments, I find myself wishing for help from that so not existing village. A girl can dream, right?
When I feel myself about to lose my mind, here are my go-to sanity savers — sometimes the simplest things are the most effective:
- Step away
- Deep breathing exercises
- Get some fresh air and soak up the sunshine
- Get my favorite drink or snack
- Take care of my needs (eat, shower, put on real clothes)
- Enjoy my favorite hobby
- Crank up the happy music
- Meditate/Yoga
If I need a break because the kids won’t stop fighting and I have already met their needs, I break out the secret weapon. Load em up and get out of the house. Sometimes, just a change of scenery can help wonders. We can either run an errand, go to the park, or even break out the chalk and color together on the sidewalk.
When you get in the car, break out those old car games we used to play on road trips. I spy, license plate game. Or sing songs; 99 bottles anyone?
If going for a drive doesn’t work, go for a walk instead. They can look for cool rocks, or you can make a list of things for them to look for like a scavenger hunt. Plus, you get some fresh air and sunshine.
Whatever it is that makes you happy, try to enjoy more of it. Have a list of things you can go to when you feel like pulling your hair out. It’s good for our kids to see that it is ok to take care of ourselves and how to step away when you need a moment. Again as parents it’s our job to teach our kids to cope and manage their emotions.
What are things that help you relax and calm down? What are your stressors? Keep your beautiful head up, life is short.
Just A Mom Trying 
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