Let it Snow?

As adults, we romanticize snow. We look back with fondness on snow days, sledding, hot chocolate, and an unexpected day off. We might remember turning our pajamas inside out in the hopes that the School Closure Gods will take pity on us and declare a snow day.

Once we become parents, we see that snow days can be far more complex than how we remember them from our mind’s eye. Snow days now mean logistics: will work close? If not, who can take care of the kids? Is it safe to drive? How will the kids be entertained? How will I meet my deadlines? Underscoring all of this is the wish to get a day off and to make it special for your kids.

Depending on snow amounts and conditions, what might start as a fun day off, might turn into days of cabin fever. If you live near others, seek out impromptu play dates, or at least the occasion to have a change of scenery (for both you and your kids).  Simplify all that you can–dinner doesn’t have to be gourmet, the schedule can be more relaxed, and hopefully homework from the day before has already been completed. Take some time to play–build snow people, have a snowball fight, go sledding, or just try to walk in the snow. All of the above are great sources of exercise, which can help with cabin fever, and any annoyances that might have built up from being in an enclosed space with your kids for too long.  Know that everyone gets frustrated–not having a routine and being cooped up can make anyone feel like they are losing their marbles. Take a deep breath or go into another room (even a bathroom) if you feel like you are about to lose it.

Then, when it’s time to go to bed, know that it’s OK to pray that school will resume tomorrow.

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Turkey and Holiday Blues- a mini-blog

Holidays are tough. Whether it is the logistics of pulling it off (either attending or preparing) or  even the thought of coping with so many family members in one room, most of us are affected by this time of year. Here is a quick survival cheat sheet in making it through the season with more joy and less humbug.

*Acknowledge the parts that are hard openly (either to yourself or someone you trust)

*Devise a plan that is attainable

*Enlist people that can support you in your goals
*Conceptualize your limits

*Set boundaries (sometimes, this needs to be done early and often)

*Keep in mind that the holiday (or visit) WILL end.

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Welcome to Our Blog

November is inherently a time to take stock, to express gratitude, and to prepare to make changes once the new year begins. Taking stock is something that most of us find to be challenging. It means that we have to admit to ourselves (and perhaps others) that we don’t always do things “right” or that our actions and choices might have had negative consequences. It is far too overwhelming to try to reinvent yourself in one sitting.

One idea is to recognize the good about you and the things that make you thankful. You can either sit down and create a list, or you can do it a little more piecemeal, such as recording one aspect of gratitude daily.  I see people (including myself) who have created a way to hold themselves accountable for this intention by posting daily on Facebook or other social media what they are grateful for.

What are the things you are happiest about?  What brings you joy?

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