26 Aug 8 Simple Ways to Becoming a Jolly Mama
For many, summer has ended and school has already begun. While some may relish in the break that school provides, many find it more stressful as they adapt to new changes– new schedules, new curfews, new carpools…
The foresight of homework and late night school projects, intertwined with the headache of packing healthy school lunches and jetting across town to make it to soccer practice on time, can throw anyone into a complete frenzy.
Those who don’t have kids old enough to be in school may be struggling in a completely different way–I mean, let’s face it. You can only sing the alphabet, watch “Bubble Guppies” and play “House” so many times before you feel like you’re going to lose it, right?
So how do you stay sane and be happy amidst, all the chaos life throws at you? We have eight simple strategies we know will help:
1. Focus on the Positive
Sometimes we don’t realize how great our lives are until we compare it to someone else who is really struggling. While you may feel overwhelmed with helping your kids with school homework, try focusing instead on the fact that you’re fortunate enough to have your kid receive an education. Or rather than dwell on dragging your kid to another soccer practice, be thankful that you have the means to provide your children with such great opportunities.
2. Lower Your Expectations
Kids are, well…Kids! They’re not perfect, and they certainly haven’t been around long enough to learn the life’s lessons that you’ve learned in the last couple of decades. When you lower your expectations, you open up a door to being pleasantly surprised. Yes, your kids will need reminding to clean their rooms and make their beds almost daily. But imagine your surprise to walk in and see something you’re not expecting!
3. Have “Me-Time”
When you take time to care for yourself, your stress levels decrease and your emotional health improves.
Do something you love– a favorite hobby or activity. Get lost in a good book, get your nails done, go hiking, exercise, or get your craft on. It doesn’t really matter what it is, so long as you enjoy it.
Maybe you just need some social time. Rally up your friends and go grab a drink, go watch a movie, or just catch up.
4. Be Forgiving
Mistakes happen. That dropped cup of chocolate milk can always be cleaned up. That broken dish can always be replaced. But harsh words and hurt feelings cannot always be taken back.
Forgiving your kids is important, but it’s also just as important to forgive yourself. Mom guilt attacks even the best of us. Try not to latch on to it and let it drag you down. Instead, dust yourself off, make amends, and feel inspired to do better. So you raised your voice? Apologize and move on. Dwelling on it will only make you more miserable.
5. Laugh More
Speaking of mistakes…rather than reacting, choose how you will respond. Choose to laugh at the messes, at the imperfections, and all the silly things they do. The happier you are, the happier your kids will be. Kids model their parents behaviors and attitudes, so if you choose to respond to situations positively, your kids will likely follow your example.
6. Put Down the Phone
Our kids are growing up in a technological day and age that we never had. And while technology advances have their benefits, they also have negative effects. According to MarketWatch, the average American adult spends most of his waking hours on a screen. In 2018, it was estimated that adults spent more than 11 hours per day watching, reading, listening to or simply interacting with media– which is up from 9 ½ hours in 2014.
Whoa! That’s almost half the day! So put down your phone and do what matters most. Spend some quality one-on-one time with your kids. Have direct eye contact, engage in physical activity with them, and make sure they have physical touch (a hug, holding hands, tickling, or even wrestling).
7. Do Something New or Spontaneous
Sometimes parents find themselves stuck in a rut: Wake up, get kids ready, eat breakfast, take kids to school, go to work, pick up kids from school, help with homework, make dinner, go to bed…
Repeat.
Same thing day in and day out can become really boring. Try changing up your normal every day routine and do something different. Changing it up will give you something to look forward to and keep your life exciting. Take a dance class, attend a Paint Night, or attend a new sporting event.
8. Meal Plan
Nothing is more stressful than hungry kids at dinner time. Hangry mama may even make an appearance herself. To avoid this, try planning ahead. Plan out your weekly meals, and if possible, prep it well in advance to dinner time. This not only help alleviate stress, but allows you time to do other things with your kids while dinner is cooking.
At Jolly Llama, we get it. We know you all want to be Jolly Mamas! If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here on our site learning more about the healthified frozen treats we offer.
It all starts with YOU. So cut yourself some slack, slurp away on your favorite Jolly Llama Sorbet Pop, and get ready for tomorrow. Because tomorrow’s a new day, and a new you! You got this Mama!
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