SELF-CARE TIP:
Date Night Take Two: Try to have a COVID free night again (this is our new Friday ritual)! Can't think of anything else to talk about? Try these 36 Questions that Lead to Love from a 2015 NYT Article. My husband and I have been married nearly 16 years and learn something new about each other every time we open these up!
Note, you can also do these with a friend and one of our second time mom's groups is playing a "speed date" game with these questions via virtual mom's night out!
PARENTING TIP:
Stop yourself when you would normally say "no" or "stop" at least three times today. Ask questions instead: "How can I help you?" "Do you need a hug?" or phrases like "I can see this is hard for you." Help them honor impulses. When they are jumping on the couch try "I can see your body really wants to jump. Let's put these pillows on the floor and you can jump on these!"
INDOOR ACTIVITY:
Speaking of Jumping, get their Vestibular needs met with this great indoor jumping activity. Vestibular movement improves the part of the brain that controls for language, music, social interaction, handwriting, and attention and is activated by swinging, spinning, and jumping.
Create a river with a blanket. Start with a narrow river (or stream) and have the child jump over it. Slowly the river gets bigger and bigger as they try to keep making it over. Maybe you even add "fish" to catch or "rocks" to hop across on!
NATURE TIP: Did you know Glen Park Canyon has three fluffy baby owls in the tree that you can see, without even binoculars? Right behind the Rec Center, on the way up to the fire access trail there is a big Eucalyptus tree with an Owl's nest. If you walk up the hill side you can get a great view! Bring a copy of Owl Babies by Martin Waddell if you have it on hand and meet Sarah and Percy and Bill!