Coping With Back-to-School Stress
In just a few weeks our little darlings that are occupying the house, running up and down, laughing and playing and demanding our full attention will be back at school. Quality time spent with them is, of course, cherished but we all know that our little angels can be very demanding and when their demands fly at us faster than speeding bullets, fatigue, flu, canker sores and even weight gain may appear to combat the stress.
But first, here are some fun things to make with the kids to keep them occupied for hours in play, during the last few weeks prior to returning to school:
Fun Exercises for the Kids
1. Playdough Fun
Simple Playdough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar (if you cannot find this simply order online)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Up to 1.5 cups boiling water - add this in slowly (and safely) until the dough feels just right
- Food coloring - you can mix colors
- Glycerine - a few drops for extra shine
- Glitter - optional (nice for the “sky with stars at night” effect)
Method:
- Mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil in a large mixing bowl
- Add food coloring to the boiling water first AND THEN into the dry ingredients
- Put on latex gloves and mix with your hands until the dough becomes a consistent whole
- Add the glycerine (optional)
- Wait for it to cool down then knead it vigorously for a few minutes until it is no longer sticky.
- If it is still sticky add a little flour
Make this exercise fun for all! Have all the ingredients ready in separate bowls and allow your children to take turns mixing the ingredients in (not the boiling water). Once the mixture has cooled down, allow your children to knead it.
Playing with playdough yourself is also a great stress relief and will create hours of joy with your children. Add animals (dinosaurs, zoo creatures etc. and cars to the table and let them have fun!
2. Cave Creation
Allow your children to create a “magic” space where they feel safe. You can put two sofas together and back them against the wall and give the children sheets to decorate their “cave”. Inside you can put a little table and chairs, some coloring in books and crayons.
Leave them safe snacks that they cannot choke on, water and juice.
Stress Relief Options For You
Now that the kids are occupied and safe, it’s time for “Mommy Time”. Get out a book, read and relax. Paint if you like or even get out your yoga mat and exercise. Have a friend over who has kids and let the kids enjoy playtime.
On the website WebMD, Barbara Roth, specialty consultant for child care for the YMCA of the USA, explains how kids also need to work on social-emotional skills, making sure the activities your kids are involved include kids their own age as well as kids other ages.
If you are feeling run down, drained and a bit under the weather, we highly recommend companies that offer health and dietary supplements, that will lift you from the grumpiest, most lethargic of moods and put some serious “pep” in your step.
Our Conclusion For Coping With Back-To-School Stress
At the end of the day, the more stress-free you will be, the more it will promote a happy and calm environment in the house allowing the kids to play, have fun and give you the opportunity to enjoy being the wonderful mother you are! To cope with stress, try to take a supplement to help you relax.
