Go clear your head at a yoga class.

Note:

Most city rec centers offer yoga classes for around $5 and some yoga studios even offer your first class for free.

Evaluate:

I was SO glad that I went to yoga!  My head was been so clogged with dumb unimportant stuff and right after yoga I felt so clear.  Suddenly I was able to make a really hard decision that I’d been pushing to the back of my mind for weeks.  Not only did it clear my head enough to make this decision but it also helped me be more patient with my children.  And that is why I <3 yoga!

Today’s Activity:

Make your children feel important today.

Note:

There are several ways you can do this.  You can look them in the eyes when they tell you their crazy stories, set aside something that is important to you to do something that is important to them, show them empathy if they are sad, or simply tell them that they are important to you.

Evaluate:

Lately I’ve found myself saying things like, “Max, I can’t do that right now.  This is more important than what you want right now.”  “Max, we can visit later it is more important for you to finish lunch so you won’t be late for school.”  I’ve been realizing how BAD this must make my poor boy feel!  So today as I was dropping him off at school he asked that I take his stuffed animal into Grandmas so that he wouldn’t have to get it out of the car after school.  Then I did it again, “Max, see all this stuff in the car, I have to take all of that into Grandmas today so I will try but this stuff is more important.”  UGH, I’m such a jerk!  So, I decided to take his stuffed animal in.  As I was walking him home from school he said, “Mommy, did you take Yukon Jax into Grandma’s?”  Rather than just saying yes I said, “Yes I did because I knew it was important to you.”  He had the BIGGEST smile on his face after I said that!  Only moments later Max said, “Mommy, I know what is the most important to you.”  As I waited to hear what he had to say I sort of panicked fearing he would say the dishes or laundry or something but he said, “Me and Elese.”  Although I don’t always act like it my children and their amazing father ARE the most important thing’s in my life and I need to be better about showing it.

Set aside some time today to spend alone with each child.  Plan for at least three minutes in a quiet room with each child to talk about their day or just read them their favorite story.

Note:

If time is an issue set a timer.  A timer will also help the child (or children) who are waiting for their turn to know that they will also get time with mommy as soon as the timer beeps.

Evaluate:

This was a pretty quick yet enjoyable activity.  I learned that librarian at Max’s school is replacing Coke with water for her New Years Resolution.  During my one on one time with Elese she told me that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up.  Did you learn anything new about your kids?  Here are a few ideas of things you can ask them:

Have a meeting with your husband* tonight.  Discuss the needs of each of your children individually.  Where are they lacking?  Does Joe need to exercise more?  Is Izzy getting teased at school?  How are they doing physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and spiritually?  In the book A Mother’s Book of Secrets by Lynda Eyre and Shawni Eyre Pothier they suggest periodically discussing those five facets.  Come up with a plan for each child to help them in the areas they are struggling.

Note:

Make this as formal as possible.  If you can go out to a nice dinner and do this great (be sure to bring a note book to write now what you’ve discussed).  If dinner isn’t an option at least sit at your dinner table and discuss it away from the distractions of TV and Computers.

Evaluate:

This was a great opportunity for Steven and I to make sure we are on the same page with our kids.  With Max we are going to continue focusing on his handwriting & reading as well as empathizing with him more.  I often find myself thinking he is upset about something stupid and that it doesn’t really warrant my time and attention.  Then I remember being a kid and thinking that no one understood how I felt and I hated that feeling so we are going to try and be more understanding of his feelings.  Things we are going to work on with Elese are keeping her active with drawing and other activities so she doesn’t get into trouble because she is board.  I also need to work on getting her more play dates.

*If you are single then discuss this with your biggest advocate…or if you don’t want other opinions but just someone to listen to you then meet with a friend who will just sit and listen as you come up with a plan.

Donate to a Charity.

Note:

This can be anything from dropping some change into the charity box placed near the register at your local grocery store to cutting a big check to your favorite charity.  Also, if you need a suggestion my friend is trying to get 100 coats for 100 refugee children.  Here are the details.

FREE:

Go through you and your kids clothes and give ones that no longer fit to a second hand store, shelter, or even a friend that could use them.  This is the prefect time of year to do this because you will likely be putting the summer clothes away anyway.

Evaluate:

After going through the kids things on Saturday I added to my pile of things to take to the DI.  I always get a pile going and never take it.  Lucky for me last week I got a call from the friends of MS and they were looking for donations.  All I have to do is put it on my porch and they will pick it up.  As my pile was getting bigger I had to continue to remind my kids that some children don’t have the money to buy shoes or toys and that their old toys may be the only thing they will get for Christmas.  I think this creates a great opportunity to help your children be grateful for the things they do have rather than just focusing on the things they want.