Parentingis hard as it is, but throw the cold season into the mix and it gets even tougher. Thekidsalways seem to be catching some kind of virus, the weather forces everyone to stay home, bored out of their minds, and when it’s bearable to go outside, dressing up in extra layers becomes a whole other struggle. Not to mention that ideas of what to do during long evenings have already been exhausted.To help parents survive the dark, cold months, we atBored Pandarounded up this month’s most relatable and unhinged tweets about parenting. Scroll down to find them, as chances are, these posts are just what exhausted parents need right now.This post may includeaffiliate links.
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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.
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 forschool.
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.
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,”saidmental 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.
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.”
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