When spring hits, many people get the urge to deep clean the house, but spring can also be a good time for some introspection and a way to check in with yourself about your role as a parent. This spring, along with finally getting around to scrubbing the baseboards and blinds, consider these ways you can refresh your parenting skills.
Go screen free
How often do your children spend time with you when you aren’t looking at your phone, tablet or laptop? Psychology Today reported that parents are contributing to the technology addiction problem, and this has negative impacts on relationships between parents and children. It’s easy to complain about how much time our children are spending on screens, but parents are guilty of this also. Challenge yourself this spring to carve aside time with your kids where you put your screen down, get on the floor and just play with them.
Let them be bored
It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly finding ways to entertain your children. But if you want them to grow in their creativity, imagination and self-reliance, letting them be bored can be a good thing. All you have to do is not bail them out when they say they are bored, say no when they ask to turn on a show or get on a tablet (this will inevitably happen), and make sure they have plenty of toy and activity choices available. You may be surprised at what they come up with while bored! Here are some creative ways local Kansas City parents and kids prepare for when boredom strikes:
- Shanna Harris, mom of three in Shawnee Mission, says her daughter Kenadi makes a list of things to do, takes a vote with her brothers, and the activity with the most votes wins. Shanna also “gets out board games or toys they haven’t played with in a while and that usually works!”
- Carrie Masden, mom of two in Roeland Park, says her son Grayson makes envelopes of activities that he labels, “When I’m Bored.” He puts puzzles, dot-to-dots and other activities in the envelopes. Who wants to bet he came up with this genius idea while bored?
- Katie Jorgenson, a Leavenworth mom, says she and her two children will go through the recycling bin and create something new. “We’ve made rocket ships, cars and mini houses with stuff from our recycling. Sometimes we just tape them together. Other times we paint or color them.” She recommends providing a bit of help, especially for younger children, to get them started. Then their brains light up with all of the possibilities. Jorgenson also suggests re-framing boredom as a good thing. “Our brains need a break, and we sometimes have our best ideas after being bored. They can feel empowered about using their imagination and creative skills.”
Get some fresh air
This is for all the homebodies out there: Sure, it’s nice to stay in on the couch and browse your streaming services, but push yourself to take the family outdoors. Take a walk, play at the park or throw a ball around the backyard. Not only will the fresh air do wonders for your mood, the kids will get out so much energy that bedtime will be a breeze!
School check-in
Though the end of the school year seems near, there’s still plenty of time for your child to learn and grow. If you had spring conferences, your teacher may have shared with you some areas to work on. Or you may need to tighten up the homework routine, ensure your children are reading every day or practice math facts more often. Children will take cues from your attitude, so be sure you continue to prioritize school even in these last months. If spring weather is calling, allow your child to take a blanket outside or sit on patio chairs while studying.
Reassess your consistency
Being consistent with your expectations related to behavior, school work and picking up after yourself is so important, but it’s easy to start getting slack with routines after a long winter. This spring, assess yourself on areas where you need to be more consistent with your children.
Implement (or reinstate) chores
Spring is a great time to get back on track with how your kids help around the house. No matter your child’s age, there is always a chore that she can help with. Even very young children can carry small wastebaskets, put away clean silverware and help put the laundry in the washer or dryer. For some families, a visual chore schedule keeps everyone accountable, while others just ask their children to do chores as needed.
Take care of you
The best way to take care of your children is to take care of you! Taking care of your own needs is essential to being fully present, patient and giving toward your children. Can you use some of these ways to implement some self-care into your spring routine?
- Amp up your exercise. Hitting the gym (or the living room floor) can be especially hard with little ones in tow, but seek out ways to prioritize your health. Find a gym with childcare, use a home workout video or include your children in the workout to help you fit exercise in your schedule.
- Spend time alone. Schedule a private bath time, a chance to read a novel without interruptions, or go treat yourself at the spa.
- Connect with friends. Grab coffee with a friend, have a girls/guys night out or simply invite pals over to your place.
- Check in with your partner. Be sure you get input from your partner about other ideas to refresh your parenting and, most of all, make sure your children know their parents are on the same page!
Emily Cline is a freelance writer and instructor of education at a local university. She lives in Lenexa with her husband and 3-year-old son, Fitzgerald.
Resource:
PsychologyToday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201303/is-technology-creating-family-divide