Plan B

This past weekend, we woke up to a -25 F temp. Brutally cold. Needless to say, it was time to adjust our plans. Time to hunker down and not leave the house. It was too cold. Living in Minnesota, we have had days like this before.

When my kiddos were younger, those were not necessarily fun days. Stuck inside. Kids bouncing off the ways. Change in routine. Increased intimacy. Those were the counting down to bedtime days. Do you know what I mean?

Here are some ways to get through those stuck in the house kind of days…


-Get out some new sensory things to keep the kiddos busy. Playdough, bake cookies, knead bread dough.
      
 -Movie marathon. Grab some blankets, pop some popcorn, and hit play. 

-Keep routines in place. Lots of kids do best when things stay the same, less changes. So do what you can to keep changes to a minimum.

-Paint a picture of how the day is going to look. Let them know there have been some changes in the day. Tell them what the plan is for the day. Knowing what to expect can decrease anxiety. 
      
-Create a little space. Often time togetherness can increase anxiety or create a trigger. Make sure everyone gets a little space once or twice throughout the day. (be careful...kids who have suffered an abandonment might perceive this as one) Some will need to be close to you while others will be able to read a book on their bed or clean the bathroom or run the garbage out. 

-Find a little something to fill YOU up. Read a magazine while they are watching a movie. Put on your favorite music. Paint your nails. Just a little take care of you something.

It is about being intentional and meeting your kids right where THEY are at!

You CAN do this - you ARE an INTENTIONAL PARENT!