We all have those days (or weeks) where we just don’t know how we’re going to make it through. I’ve had it before and it’s seriously terrible: you have no one to turn to, no one to ask to help you out … you simply have to make it through until bedtime. It could be because you’re sick, or your kids are sick. Or perhaps you’re having a sh*t day mentally – either way, days where we want them to just be over happen to us all.
Here are some tips / tricks that I use to help me get through:
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BREATHE
Just breathe. Each day is a new day and what you’re feeling today you may not feel tomorrow.
TALK TO YOUR KIDS
I find honesty the best policy with everything in life – especially to your kids. I tell mine “Guys I’m not having a very good day today, can we please work together to get through”. Even if they’re too young to understand, sometimes it’s nice just to say those words.
EMBRACE WHAT YOU HAVE
Embrace the TV. Embrace the device. Embrace the mess … just embrace what you have. You are not ruining your child’s life by letting them watch TV / Netflix, or by letting the messy lounge remain messy until they go to bed.
GO FOR A WALK
You don’t have to go anywhere in particular: just walk in one direction for a few minutes and then back again. The fresh air will help not only you, but your kids too.
DO IT TOGETHER
Sit down and play with your kids and fully immerse yourself in their world. Play with lego, play with play dough – bake together. Even just sitting down and watching a movie together can be a great way to get through the day. Just STOP feeling like you have to do everything, and sit down with them. It can be a great way to help pass the time, and sometimes acts as a bit of a reset button.
TAKE TEN MINUTES
Kids can be relentless, so if you need ten minutes peace to have a coffee, or check Facebook or watch whatever; then you should be allowed it. Simply say to your kids “Mum needs a few minutes to herself – you guys play and I’ll come when I’ve finished my coffee”. Now we all know it’s never as simple as that but it’s good for your kids to know that you’re allowed a break too. I have to repeat myself a million times, but I get the time eventually.
REACH OUT FOR HELP
If you have friends with kids, or family – reach out to them. Ask them to pop over for a bit, or perhaps ask if you can visit them. It will help to break the day up and give you (and the kids) a well deserved distraction.
HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
I know not all of you have this, but I look forward to when my husband comes home. 5.30pm and I’m clock watching ALL DAY for that moment. I also look forward to the weekend … and to a glass of wine. Perhaps you look forward to when the kids go to bed, or the day they’re at Daycare / Preschool / School. Whatever it is, having something to look forward to can be a great way to get through the day.
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Some days seem to swallow me whole and I’m clock watching the whole day, waiting for 530pm when my husband gets home. Or even 7pm for when the kids go to bed (if my husband is away). Some days are such a struggle.
Trying to remain positive is hard, but really is the key to getting through. Try and distract yourself and your kids.
The old saying “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” really does apply.
If you’re having a bad day, let me know below – how do you get through?
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