Everyone has their bad days and everyone feels overwhelmed at times. It could be frustration with too much mess, too much noise, demands, difficulties, moods, sibling issues, struggles with skills, uncertainty, interruptions, urgent problems, breakdowns, bad weather, power outages, falling behind schedule, distractions … but there is a wonderful way to save the day — Press your RESET! I wrote about it before – Practical Tip – Reset
How to reset?
- Pause – call a break. Take a deep breath.
- Switch – to another subject or start a new activity.
- Move – do something fun! Move, dance, jump on the mini-trampoline, run around the garden, skip.
- Regroup ~ food, touch, talk, laugh, music
Here some ways to reset the moment:
In our home, when someone was in tears, or my voice was rising in frustration, I may have said, “Kids, we need a moment to reset and try again. Can we all take a moment and …”
- Fresh Air –
- It is amazing how quickly we can regain our perspective when we go outdoors.
- Get outside.
- Go for a walk.
- Let the children play, skip, run.
- A nature walk is a wonderful outdoor activity.
- Even a cup of tea sitting on the porch or on the back steps to the garden is more refreshing.
- Fun activity –
- Play Scrabble, or Bananagrams
- add variety to school subjects
- YouTube videos on the topic are a wonderful moment of relief and reset.
- Sing – Geography songs, Bible songs, Action songs, rap and pop songs (that are suitable)
- Music – An upbeat song or soundtrack changes everyone’s mood. We have “clean house” soundtracks. Nowadays it is so easy with Spotify, but back in the day when my kids were teens, they made compilation CDs to play while we cleaned house.
- Clean up & pack away – Physically clear the space to reset the next activity and let it be fun, positive saying, “Yes! Of course, we can do art/ …. Let’s quickly pack away all the books and papers while I mix the paint.” Often, while my young kids played outside or ate a snack, I scooped the toys into the drawers or baskets and cleared the floor for the next activity. Most moms feel better when the clutter is under control, so stop for a reset when you start to feel overwhelmed.
- Change rooms or places –
- Do a lesson outdoors, read aloud under the tree or do narrations in a sunny spot.
- Some kids feel better lying down, cuddled up, in soft lighting, in cool air.
- A different venue often resets attitudes and moods.
- Routines – Meal times, bath time, bedtime are all regular rhythms in our day. Focus on the next routine and build better habits and prompts. Keep things simple and avoid too many extra-mural activities.
- Timer – It is amazing how much we can do in 10 minutes! Set a timer and encourage everyone to do their best for that time. Often, when the problem is too big, it is best to break it into smaller, more manageable tasks. Charlotte Mason encouraged short, sweet lessons. Use an app on your phones and computers to visually and audibly time activities.
- Regroup – Build loving relationships with the 5 love languages =
- Spend some quality time together listening & talking
- Do an act of service for a family member
- Make some simple but thoughtful gift for each other.
- Make a favourite meal, bake a treat, celebrate the moment with a special table setting, candles, flowers and music.
- Reaffirm with words of affection and encouragement and specific praise.
- Physical affection, tickle or wrestle your children, cuddle them, even those cool and aloof teens!
- Tell jokes and remember silly moments and laugh together.
“I think it is extremely important in building a foundation for your homeschool and relationship with your child. We are all sinners and there are just going to be bad days full of short tempers, bad attitudes, and frustration. Instead of throwing up our hands and quitting – choose to teach your kids how to resolve conflict, how to listen, and how to communicate with love!”
Lauren ~ The Simple Homeschooler
As a wife, mother and woman of confidence, reset your days and nights with healthy activities that start and end your days. To begin, focus on ending well and set up the next day before you go to bed. Reset your home with a tidy lounge, a clean kitchen, a prepared school plan and study area, a menu plan will make the new day flow with simplicity and ease. Nothing is worse than starting the new day already overwhelmed with mess and clutter from the day before!
Reset your attitude with prayer, gratitude and journaling, stretching. Ask the Lord for grace and wisdom, strength and courage, faith and forgiveness. Pray blessings over the people, the problem and the purpose. Ask for a simple strategy and a way of understanding, a shifted perspective, a simple word of truth. Journal and find your help in the ways that the Lord gives you.
Check if you have unrealistic expectations. Make allowances for age & stage issues, immaturity, illness, fatigue, changes, crisis, etc. Remember that most of this is small and temporary and all this will eventually fade and pass. Avoid having a fatalistic mindset and please don’t make big decisions in this mode.
Begin again in hope. Just start small, work slowly and keep moving towards your expectations. Don’t give up! Life is full of fresh beginnings and new, clean slates. The Lord is so gracious and meets us with fresh mercy and grace each morning!
Please comment and share how you reset your days.
Blessings and much grace, Nadene
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