If you are a parent with a younger child (ren) and finding it difficult to get back into a routine after the holidays, you’re not alone. The holidays invite many of us to slow down and indulge in a bit more carefree living– staying in jammies all day and enjoy round the clock snacking It’s normal for parents and children to find the return to routine to be stressful and feel a bit bumpy.
Here are a few tips that that could be helpful towards getting back into a rhythm with younger children:
- Expect a settling period. Patience is key. It is normal to expect pushback (e.g., meltdowns, reduced cooperation during evenings and mornings).
- Start with the priorities and ease into rest. It isn’t necessary to reinstate every aspect of your routine at once. Start with what matters most (e.g., going to bed and waking up on time) and ease into the other things (e.g., doing homework).
- Look ahead and develop fun plans for yourself and family for the upcoming weeks. With the holidays over, it doesn’t mean that all fun and indulgent activities must end! Setting plans and looking ahead in the new year can help reduce the stress associated with having to return to more mundane tasks.
- Show yourself and your little one’s grace and compassion this week.
As parents, we often feel the pressure to be perfect and take on the responsibility to make things feel okay for our little ones. Keep in mind that we are human and adjusting too. A few rough mornings or challenging nights, does not mean you’re doing it wrong, it only signals that this transition is tough, and your children might need a bit more time. Remember to show yourself grace and compassion during this time.
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