Summer Burn-out: A few remedies
We had four kids at our home from 9-6 many days this summer. It was a noisy and a blast! But I notice that I am a bit maxed out. We have swum (is that a word?), played tennis, been to Sea World, been to the beach, read books, played hoola-hoops, made tents indoors, watched movies, made videos, written songs, played piano. What else is there to do? My kids are finally saying, “I’m bored mom.”
What’s a mom to do? I chose to get the kids organizing. There were a million cupboards to be cleaned, beds to sweep under, clothes to wash, boogie boards to put away, do I dare go on?
So I made a deal with the kids. Each morning we would do one family project. Then at noon we’d play. First we re-organized Olivia’s room. The next day we turned Allie’s room into a “stable.” That’s what she wanted… We went through the linen closet and chose new bedding (old new bedding). The girls were to choose one activity per day for the afternoon be it the mall, writing stories, drawing pictures, re-charging our ipods and adding music etc. I would have friends over until 6 pm but then it was family time.
While they played, I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets, sorted through clothes to give away and tried my best to write a little. Planning and preparing are really the best ways I’m gonna get through the 11 days til school starts. Okay, so I am counting does that make me a bad mom, I don’t think so.
If you’re maxed out here are a few fresh ideas:
1. Grandparents.com has free downloads of activities you can do with your kids. Make a list of thirty items that appeal to you and post em on your fridge so you don’t get stuck saying, “Just go play!”
2. Sixty Second Parent has nice ideas if you have preschoolers at home.
3. Women Entrepreneur has a nice article on home management and planning.
4. The Holistic Pediatric Association has advice on self-care for moms.
5. Jen Antkowiak has a new book on Take Care Tips for Moms.
6. If you are working mom Michelle LaRowe has a new book with everything you need to know to work and thrive.
7. I recommend that you take the time to write down what is important to you and goal set in your various roles for 2010, it’ll be here before we can dry off from a summer of swimming.
We gave it our all this summer. We refurbished our relationships and got to know one another better as we head to 3rd and 5th grade. It’s now time to get ready for a successful school year. Wishing you all peace and joy. A toast to you Moms – You have a ton to offer (sipping peppermint tea). Oops gotta run, time to make breakfast.
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