Whether it is mid-winter break, a holiday or simply a weekend off, many moms find themselves trying to figure out how to avoid those dreaded words: “Mom, I’m bored!”
It happens when the fact that there’s no homework, papers to write or assignments to turn in is no longer a novelty. As a working mom, you have done your best to plan great activities, play dates and maybe even trips to the Children’s Museum. Yet, your kids complaining meter is on an all-time high!
4 Ways to Handle the Holiday Boredom for a Stress-Free Holiday Break
#1: Prepare ahead of time
That doesn’t mean signing them up for more and different activities, but rather getting yourself prepared for what you know is coming. You know your kids better than anyone, so you know if they are easily entertained or if they are singing the perennial “I am bored” chorus.
Be prepared with a standard answer that conveys your decision to allow them to get creative and find ways to have fun without your intervention at every step. It’s perfectly okay to say something like, “Wow. That stinks that you are bored. I wonder what you can do about it.” or “The great thing is that being bored is a choice.”
#2: Keep calm and cool
It’s hard not to get frustrated after you have spent hours coordinating (and paying!) for play dates, swim lessons or activities the local YMCA.
Do your best to remain cool and avoid lecturing them about how they are not showing gratitude about everything you are doing for them. Engaging in pointless arguments will only frustrate you and guarantee a lot of unnecessary power struggles.
#3: Allow for some quiet, doing nothing time
The pressure to have our children signed up and involved in every activity our schedule and budget allows implies that our kids can’t or shouldn’t learn to enjoy the benefits of quiet, slow time.
For example, what a great opportunity to invite them to participate in activities that allow for their reading skills to prepare them for the upcoming school year.
Playing simple games like Jax or Pick-up sticks with some neighbors, although not technological in nature, are great games to develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination, all while enjoying some quiet, down-time
#4: Think of yourself too!
Create memories by making sure your kids have something to do but that don’t end up making you feeling exhausted and overextended.
Find things that work for everyone involved, not just the stuff that your kids like. By showing them how you take care of yourself and choosing time to do things that nourish your heart, you model a great example of self-care that they will carry their whole life.
Our time with our kids is all about creating memories. Make sure that yours and your children are great memories that will last a lifetime!
Want more tips on putting soul back into your parenting? Visit Soulful Parent Sandra Huber online at www.thesoulfulparent.com or join her Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/thesoulfulparent
