Are you having a rough day with the kids? If you feel like you’re in a funk and just can’t seem to shake the negative energy swirling in your home, try these quick positive parenting ideas and tips to turn your day around and your frowns upside down.
1. Listen to Music
Music is known to affect mood, so put on something upbeat and play it loud. Dance party! Or if you’re day is already too loud and chaotic, put in some earbuds (at least one!) and listen to something soothing.
2. Listen for Inspiration
While you have that one earbud in (because you have to have a free ear to listen to/for the kids), listen to a podcast. Try a parenting podcast for inspiration or a guided meditation or positivity podcast.
3. Dress yourself up.
My days home with the kids usually mean comfortable pajamas and no make-up, and that’s great sometimes. On other days, it makes me feel better to put on a real outfit, a bit of make-up, fix my hair, and throw on a few inspirational bracelets. If you don’t want to do a full-on dress-up, just wash your face, lather some delicious-smelling lotion on your body, and swipe just a bit of gloss on your lips.
4. Take a time-out.
Busy the kids with a coloring book, puzzle, or even a cartoon for 10-15 minutes and do something you enjoy. These little breaks can go a long way in keeping your tank from running on empty.
5. Write down 5 things you’re grateful for.
Say them out loud. Gratitude combats negativity and lifts your mood.
6. Get outside.
Being in nature is shown to boost your spirits, and you could use the vitamin D. If you can’t get out into nature, look at photos of nature. Research has shown that even a plant in your room can reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Tackle that thing you’re dreading doing early.
If you have a full inbox or a mountain of laundry, tackle it first thing in the morning so that it doesn’t loom over you all day.
8. Love your exercise.
We’re not all runners. I prefer kickboxing. You might prefer CrossFit or Zumba. When you love your exercise, you’re obviously more likely to do it regularly. Regular exercise boosts your overall mood and well-being. Even 10 minutes of moving your body has benefits.
9. Look for the miracles around you.
See the blessing in your chaos. Seek out the beauty in the ordinary. Consciously shift your perspective. Dr. Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
10. Change up the routine.
Do something different – something unexpected. Whether it’s a special waffles topped with ice cream for breakfast, a trip to a new park, or building a fort in the back yard, a changeup might be just the thing you need to shift your attitude.
11. Do something silly.
Laughter is the best medicine, right? Look up some kids’ jokes and read them aloud. Put on silly outfits and have a photo shoot. Have a goofy face contest.
12. Accept that you feel crummy today and nurture yourself.
We all have bad moods sometimes, and maybe your body is trying to tell you that you need to take it easy for a bit. Snuggle up under the covers and read books together or watch a movie in bed with the kids.
13. Seek out a friend.
Having someone to talk to and to share your heart can make a big difference. Rather than texting, try calling, or if you can meet up for coffee or a play date, all the better.
14. Be affectionate.
By giving and receiving affection, you get a boost of oxytocin which can make you feel more connected and energetic.
15. Engage your senses.
Take a few mindful moments to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.
*This post was originally published at CreativeChild.com
