Kids and Chaos: Three Ways to Take a Break When Your Day Gets Manic

As parents, our kids are of course the most important people in our lives; we’d do anything for them and their health and happiness truly is our number one priority. However, as anyone with kids will tell you, sometimes they can seriously stress you out. At the end of the day we’re only human, and a day of crying, moaning and bad behaviour is enough to grind anyone down. Sometimes all we need is a short break to clear our head, compose ourselves and get back to it. Here are a few ideas for things you can do get a quick break when your kids are driving you bonkers!

A hot  shower

Baths are great- the hot water eases tense muscles, it reduces blood pressure and it’s a quiet place to think and relax. But as busy parents, we don’t always have time to luxuriate in the bathtub and so it’s all about quick showers instead. While they might not be as relaxing as submerging in water, showers can also reduce stress and so are a good option when you’re feeling a bit irritated and overwhelmed. Once you’re out and feeling fresh, you might well find tackling any issues you come up against is that bit easier.

A cup of tea

There’s nothing quite like a soothing cup of tea when things aren’t going your way. If the kids are scrapping and moaning and are generally getting on your last tether, step outside and give yourself five minutes to enjoy a brew. Whether you take milk and two sugars or prefer green or herbal tea, there’s something relaxing and refreshing about sipping the hot liquid and again you can return to what you were doing with a much clearer head! If you’re flagging and your stress is being added to by tiredness then go with a coffee instead, sometimes we a caffeine boost is what’s needed to get through the tough days!

A game of something fun

Sometimes a fun distraction is what you need, to take your mind off things and lower your stress levels. Whether console games or live casino sites are your thing, taking a break to enjoy a game could be just what the doctor ordered when your day gets chaotic. You might not have time to sit and watch a full movie or even a full tv episode, but you can play a quick game of something you enjoy and it could help to balance your mood again.

Instead of losing your temper or getting into a mood yourself, when things get stressful just give yourself a few minutes. One day your kids will be all grown up, and you’d do anything to hear them fight, moan and cry for your attention again! For now, take a break when you need it and then return to your duties with a smile on your face.

How do you deal with things when your kids are driving you up the wall?!

This post is a collaborative effort by St. Louis Dad.