When you drop the kids off, have some sauna time followed by a long shower and a relaxing sit on the benches outside yoga class with the novel you’ve wanted to finish.
Ahhh… this is healthy. Lindsey L. says, "It's so nice to take a leisurely shower, then get dressed and actually brush my hair and do my makeup. Sometimes I even
work out beforehand.”
Experts say they like the tone
of your voice, so why stick to children’s books? Karina P. says, “There was never any time to read after kids were born, and I can't do without my books. So, the first couple years, I would just read out loud to them from whatever book I was reading at the time, rather than baby books.”
A kid refusing to get dressed can slow down everything in the morning, so why not do it the night before? Kathleen P. says, “My older son made such a fuss about getting dressed in the morning that now he sleeps in clean clothes instead of PJs. He’s 6 now, and that’s been our routine for two years — we totally love it.”
You went to all that trouble to pack a healthy lunch, but the banana and the cherry tomatoes came home untouched. So now they’re dinner side dishes!
Elana S. says, “Whatever comes home in the lunch box after school gets cleaned up, sliced up, and served for dinner.”
Kids have a ton of energy and moms don’t have much to spare. Take a break while they play by taking on the role of referee. Annabel O. says, “Time the kids running around the house. It takes them about 30 seconds, during which I sit on the porch and enjoy the silence.” And repeat. See if they can beat their best time.
In a season when kids spend all day swimming in a lake or splashing in a sprinkler, they stay pretty clean, right?
Diana P. says, “The pool equals a bath in the summer.” And Lauren M. adds, “We turn evening water table sessions into backyard hose baths when it’s warm.”
V8+ Energy
We all need steady energy to get through the day — moms especially. Staying mindful of your own energy levels can help improve your mood, your outlook, and your time with the kids. I’ve shared other moms’ tips, and here’s mine:
“You don’t have to turn to sugar-filled booster drinks in giant cans. Sipping a during the day gives me a combined serving of fruits and vegetables in only 50 calories. Plus, it has natural energy from green tea, so you can feel
good about feeling good – zero guilt!”
Karina P.
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Read outloud to them from your own books!
Elena S.
Clean up those
lunch leftovers
for dinner!"
Melissa W.
Remember to
give yourself an
extra boost!"
Kathleen P.
My kids will sleep
in clean clothes so
mornings are
a breeze!"
Annabel O.
Have your kids race while you referee!"
Diana P.
Pools mean
kids stay
clean!"
Lindsey L.
I use the gym's
childcare so
I can shower!"