SELF-LOVE: Try Schedule Blocking. For awhile I felt like I was always trying to play with my preschooler while helping my older children homeschool, while cleaning the house, while preparing a meal, while checking a work email, while responding to a text of a friend. I was going a little nuts and constantly feeling like I was failing to accomplish anything. Then I tried schedule blocking-(thank you Sarah Hembre Ramos!) which takes a little effort to set up your schedule, but the idea is that you block out time to do each activity on your weekly or daily list, and then forget about the other categories while you are focusing on that block. It never works perfectly, but I do feel so much better honing into the present moment more (and ditching the phone while I’m in the kid blocks!).
PARENTING TIP: Help your child build self reflection skills into their day, especially with all the changes they are facing right now. Teacher Alexis shares this great idea below: As part of your bedtime routine (children are so much more reflective while lying in bed!), ask your child one thing that made them feel proud and one thing that felt tricky. Try not to help them process their tricky part, just listen and empathize, “Wow. That does sound tricky.”
INDOOR ACTIVITY: Spring clean! Put on some music and have your child help you organize toys and books. When children’s toys are organized they feel less overwhelmed and they can enter and exit play more easily. It’s also great time to rotate out toys so that each week you can bring out something “new.” Books can be put in a neighborhood “library” box or left in front of your house to brighten another child’s day who may be struggling with the libraries closed!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Gem mining! Thanks to ECM mama, Debbie, for reminding us of this wonder. If you have some play sand, rocks or mini plastic toys and a slotted spoon you’ve got a DIY Gem Mine!! They still had a ton of gems from last Summer, check out the Tiger’s Eye.