March Break is here! Like most everyone, we definitely look forward to March break. It’s a welcome respite from homework, making lunches, getting up early and getting out the door on time. Even though the holiday is much anticipated, I usually start to suffer symptoms of over exposure to my children around day 2, especially if we stick close to home.
Don’t get me wrong – I love my children. I can’t imagine life without them and sometimes I peek in at them when they’re sleeping and wonder how I got to be so lucky. And then they wake up. And they insist on playing games like Virus, a Jones family original whereby my children ambush me and try to attach themselves to my leg (I know, sounds fun doesn’t it?). Or they peer over my shoulder when I sit at my computer, and ask ‘whatcha doing?’
I thought I’d share one quick tip that I’ve used regularly for the past few years. It comes in handy on weekends and holidays when progeny overexposure risk runs high.
Alone time.
Ideal for the no-longer-napping-regularly child. Thirty minutes, usually after lunch, one person per room (bedroom, living room, playroom), without screens. They can do whatever they like: read, play with Pokemon cards, lie on their beds and stare at the ceiling…it doesn’t matter as long there is no talking to anyone else (this is the key).
Quiet time is not just a ploy to give me a break from my children. Well…ok it is. But I do genuinely believe that it’s good for them (and obviously me). It gives everyone a break from each other; my kids too could use a break from me too I bet. It slows down the pace of the day. It gives them time to practise entertaining themselves and being alone with their thoughts.
(Side note: one day last year, my then 6yr old son came downstairs after alone time and announced proudly that he had finally figured out how to whistle!)
Your kids will whine about it at first of course. Mine did. But stick to your guns! It’s only half an hour. Eventually, believe it or not, they will not fight you about it. They will just come to accept it and who knows maybe even enjoy the quiet time!
Do you do something similar at your house? Do you have any ‘getting through a long day with kids’ tricks? I would love to hear them.
Happy March Break!
~D.
