Halloween is less than a week away and the streets will be filled with costumed revelers trick or treating or, where I am, parading through the neighborhood.
There will be an array of costumes - some store-bought, some handmade with littles and not so littles pretending to be something they're not or wish they were. And the next day, all will go back to being who they are. Or will they?
For some of us the goblins, ghosts, and ghouls will stay through November and December and even into JanuaryIt seems that October starts the roll - Halloween turns into Thanksgiving which turns into December holidays along with all the prepping and festivities. (And we add four birthdays to the mix!)
We get caught in a whirlwind of activity. Our "to-do" lists get longer, our calendars are packed with extracurriculars and our schedules get tossed out the window.
Our reserves, both emotional and financial, are stretched to the max.
It's all too easy to find yourself off balance, not paying enough attention to important areas of your life, leading to frustration and intense stress.
Kids are not immune -they tend to feel the disruptions more intensely and it comes out in their behaviors - more melt-downs, less focus, crankier.
And since we can't hide under a rock until it all blows over, I've come up with some tips to stop the apocalypse.
Self-preservation: Extra care is needed. You are the architect of your family; they will take your lead. Take care of you so you can take care of them. One less party, one less gift, one more hour to yourself. Whittle out the time. (If you need help figuring out how to do that, give me a call.)
Boundaries. Set clear boundaries for yourself and help your kiddos do the same. Let go of perfection. NO is not a bad word - feel free to say it.
Mindfulness: Live in the now. It's important to plan but it is just as important to not to obsess over what needs to get done. (Does it really need to get done now?)
Big Rocks: Decide what your big rocks are and make them your priority. The rest will fall in place (or fall off).
Gratitude: The benefits of practicing gratitude are nearly endless. Numerous studies show being grateful makes you happier, can have positive effects on our health, improves your chances of success, and so much more. Being grateful for what you have makes what you don't have less important. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
Intentionally setting up a daily practice of gratitude is key.
These are all simple strategies to follow. But simple is not always easy. If you feel yourself or your kiddos spinning out - give me a call. I'll help you get back on track and enjoy the season.
"Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more." ~Mother Teresa
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"Action is the foundational key to all success." Picasso
"If you are feeling overwhelmed and need some support in the parenting department, Mary Kerwin will help guide you. She’s an educator with decades of experience based in NYC but she has online offerings too. Check it out. She’s pretty awesome.".
~Claudia L., mom of 3 and entrepreneur
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