The Prepared Adult.

Let’s start off by getting real — really, real: spending the entire day with young children is HARD. It doesn’t matter if you have a degree in education, have one child or multiple, or even if you have help! It is exhausting and I am right there with you. 

I have difficult days. I have great days. I have days when I think, I could have responded to that situation more gracefully and days when I think, wow, I was on point today! I’m sure you feel this, too! So let’s talk about preparing to embrace these difficult days.

I relate parenting to that airlines speech about fastening your oxygen mask onto your face before you place one on someone else. It is so important to take care of yourself, first. We all know what we’re supposed to do: eat well, sleep enough, and exercise daily. Preparing yourself and making sure YOUR needs are met are some of the best ways to ensure an enjoyable day.

For me — it’s showering as soon as I wake up. It’s allowing myself to have scheduled times throughout the day that I check social media and text my friends and listen to my favorite podcasts. It’s taking the time today to prepare for tomorrow: by tidying up spaces, replenishing supplies, prepping activities, and of course, having a few minutes of alone time before bed. But it’s also just really checking in on the basics. Asking myself — when is the last time I’ve eaten or had water or used the bathroom. Oftentimes, when my basic needs haven’t been met (because, hi! I’m busy taking care of 3 littles) I’m short-tempered and sarcastic.

For you, it may look different. You may like to meditate. Go for a run. Grab coffee with a friend. Sneak a Reese’s behind the open fridge door (maybe that’s just me, too). But whatever it is, you need to schedule it into your day with your children. Add yourself into the daily rhythm.

As parents, we’re expected to be a lot of things: open-minded and flexible, encouraging and patient, enthusiastic and respectful, and loving and compassionate. A calm, relaxed and prepared adult is better suited to act, react, direct and respond to the natural energies of children and the daily happenings at home.