Destressing With Kids
By Alysha Lundgren
Sometimes life just wears you down and it always seems to happen when you don’t have the time to destress. Or, at least that’s how it feels! In my preschool class, the other teachers and I spend our whole day being “on”. The kids keep me going and they keep me motivated, but I’ve also found some things that are part of our day that just lifts my spirits. They give the kids and I an extra boost when we all really need it. While alone time is still so important, sometimes we know that’s just not going to happen. So, here’s some tips for when the world feels heavy on your shoulders, that can also turn your self-care time into quality time too!
Meditation
Meditation is not for everyone, but definitely worth trying. Many moons ago, when I was an aid in a classroom for the very first time, I was working under an amazing teacher. She taught me a lot that I still practice today. There was one thing she was wrong about, though, and that’s meditation. A lot of people don’t feel like kids can benefit from it, but I can definitely see the difference in my kiddos. So, don’t be afraid to take them on your mediation journey!
The Benefits for Moms and Kids:
- More Focus
- Less Anxiety
- Better control over thoughts and emotions.
Resources and Ideas:
- Apps like, “Mind Yeti,” “Stop, Breathe and Think” and “Dreamykid.”
- Search, “Mediation for Kids,” on YouTube.
- Breathe in deep through your nose, and blow the air out of your mouth. “Smell the flower, blow out the candle.”
- Put a pet rock or small stuffed animal on your belly, and breather deeply. Try to move the object by breathing into your stomach.
Yoga
Yoga and mediation share a lot of the same benefits, plus you’re getting a great workout!
The Benefits for Moms and Kids:
- Less Anxiety
- More focus
- Better balance
- More flexibility
- Stronger muscles
Resources and Ideas:
- Apps like “cosmickids.” (https://www.cosmickids.com/)
- Check out TeachersPayTeachers (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:yoga/Price-Range/Free). They have tons of free and low cost printables for yoga.
- If you already know yoga, you can teach your kids your favorite poses. I love the animal poses, because it gives the kids the opportunity to hiss like a cobra, or meow like a cat.
Dance
I was never a dancer, but dancing with kids the last couple years has completely turned me around! There are very few workouts that don’t feel like work to me, and dancing is one of them! You don’t have to be good, just have fun with it. If you keep messing up, like yours truly, then take a minute to laugh at yourself! Its good for the soul.
The Benefits for Moms and Kids:
- Weight loss and improved muscle tone
- Improved coordination, balance and spatial awareness
- More confidence, and better self-esteem
- It is seriously so much fun! I can’t “floss” yet, but you better believe I keep trying!
Resources and Ideas:
- There are tons of videos of people dancing along with video games like, “Just Dance,” on Youtube. Check those out, and dance along! Or, you can buy the game if you have a game console.
- Just turn on the radio and dance! It can feel a little silly at first, which is why dancing with kids is so great! They are rarely embarrassed and for me, it helps me to let go a little.
- Get props! I like dancing with scarves, but feel free to get creative! Wear a blanket as a cape, or put on one of those skirts that are so great for twirling!
So these are just some of the many ways you can practice self-care with your kids. It’s great fun, great bonding, and great for your sanity! Although, you should definitely make some time for just you, I hope this helps brighten a stormy day for you! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these and how it worked out!