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Since the holiday season has already flown by, kids everywhere are likely restless, talking their parents' ears off with phrases like “I’m bored” and “What are we going to do now?”
Winters are usually harder for families because they spend more time indoors due to weather conditions. In warmer months, children can freely play outside, which is a great outlet for pent-up energy. Whereas, in winter, decreased physical activity can make children restless.
Accurate. Mass increases with speed, so, if your scale shows a larger number that must mean you're going faster.
The lack of sunlight can affect everyone, including kids, which disrupts their circadian rhythms and impacts their mood. Without even realizing it, winter blues can make children feel sad or cranky. They might also cry and get upset easily, while their energy levels plummet, leaving them unmotivated. This means that kids and teens may sleep a lot more and be less enthusiastic about getting up for school.
When my kid was about 4, her grandparents took her to the zoo. In the reptile area, they were watching the crocodiles and one just chomped the f.uck out of a turtle. Most people there just kinda gasped in shock. My kid, however, laughed herself silly and says loudly, "That was AWESOME!"
Let him be in charge of naming things, and see what other imaginative names he can come up with. Could be fun.
Being cooped up together for an extended time can increase sibling conflicts. Without getting a break during outdoor play, small petty fights can happen more often. Meanwhile, parents might also struggle to regulate their own feelings. After having to juggle demanding schedules and dreary days, it can be hard to emotionally regulate in moments of chaos at home.
Yeah just go to the thrift store buy some gently used perfectly good baby clothes because every day you wake up they're going to be outgrowing some outfit or shoes or whatever.
Why do people clean their kids' rooms? I was in charge of cleaning my own room starting at like age seven.
The good news is that there are ways to restore calm and peace during challenging season changes. One strategy that can help is to include one physical activity a day. Movement is important for both kids and adults as it helps to regulate energy and emotions. Activities that require gross motor skills, like obstacle courses, hopscotch, or playing catch, can calm and organize the brain. These activities could be organized indoors or outdoors without much preparation or tools.
For me, it's 'what would happen if' and then something absurd. Usually fandom-related, too.
Building in a physical activity daily could also mean embracing outdoor activities whenever possible. Bundling up in layers and going for a stroll around the neighborhood might be just what the kids and parents need. “Even if it’s for five minutes, step outside to go on a treasure hunt or watch for big trucks,” said mental health specialist Linda Horwitz. “Do something simple that makes the mundane a bit more exciting. Adults need to take a little breather—and kids need that too.”
Even though children thrive on having a routine, the one that worked for warmer months might no longer be suitable for the family now. This means that it might be time to revamp it and implement some changes. It doesn't have to be major, but rather something that children can look forward to every day, like introducing new foods, toys, and fun crafts. Making Fridays a movie night or Wednesday hot cocoa and story time night can switch up the routine and give something to be excited about during the week.
My youngest daughter is the same. She can play the same game online on three devices at once, all while video calling her friend at the same time, yet it took her ten minutes to figure out how to get the microwave door to open.
It’s also important that parents take breaks and time for themselves, as out-of-whack caregivers can’t help dysregulated kids. To reset their mindset, they can use positive intentions, assuring themselves that while this patch might be hard, it’s not going to last forever and they can remain calm. So when their children get upset, they can do the same with them by offering a hug or taking deep breaths together.
Lastly, parents should try to not overdo it and instead embrace simplicity. Overly packed schedules can easily overstimulate and exhaust family members, which increases the likelihood of meltdowns. Besides, there’s no shame in allowing some space for rest and connection. ”If you like to slow things down, honor that as well,” said Horwitz. “Be kind to yourself because there’s no perfection in parenting—especially now.”
You have to dress like you're 100? When I was in kindergarten I just had to collect and present 100 of something.
Poll Question
What do you find most helpful in surviving winter parenting struggles?
Funny relatable tweets
Advice from other parents
Sticking to a routine
Trying new indoor activities
Winter break in my day was sledding, snow forts (the backyard was peppered with them), ice skating (aka how many times can you fall on your @ss without breaking a bone) and coming in just in time for dinner. Then complaining that we couldn't go back out after dinner because it was dark. I don't know who to feel more sorry for.
So last night my son said something completely innocent but very inappropriate if it came from an adult. So he was playing a game called Going Balls on his iPad which involves guiding a ball round track navigating obstacles, gathering coins etc. Lives in the game are depicted by a column of balls. So he is playing and it gets to his bedtime. ME: “OK time for bed” HIM: “After the next level.” ME: “No, it is your bedtime now so switch the iPad off.” HIM: “When my balls are empty.” ME: 😐 For a child with speech and language issues he does come out with some blinders.
Another evil pitch by BP to make money off of stolen material. Time to leave the site!
Winter break in my day was sledding, snow forts (the backyard was peppered with them), ice skating (aka how many times can you fall on your @ss without breaking a bone) and coming in just in time for dinner. Then complaining that we couldn't go back out after dinner because it was dark. I don't know who to feel more sorry for.
So last night my son said something completely innocent but very inappropriate if it came from an adult. So he was playing a game called Going Balls on his iPad which involves guiding a ball round track navigating obstacles, gathering coins etc. Lives in the game are depicted by a column of balls. So he is playing and it gets to his bedtime. ME: “OK time for bed” HIM: “After the next level.” ME: “No, it is your bedtime now so switch the iPad off.” HIM: “When my balls are empty.” ME: 😐 For a child with speech and language issues he does come out with some blinders.
Another evil pitch by BP to make money off of stolen material. Time to leave the site!