Many of us look forward to having extra time to spend with our children and families, but we are often faced with busy weeks and even busier weekends.
However, keep in mind that spending time together doesn’t always have to be a big to-do.
Consider the following activities as both great ways to spend time together and relieve stress:
- Take a deep breath. Focus on controlled breathing with your child. Not only does this sort of mindful breathing have the potential to lower stress hormones, but it is also an effective way to teach preschoolers important life skills, including self-control and self-awareness. Get started with this “Breathing Buddies” activity from the Center for Healthy Minds.
- Get moving. Whether it’s taking walks around the neighborhood or running around the backyard or park with your children, regular exercise releases hormones that combat stress and promote feelings of well-being.
- Make time for a massage. Nothing says serenity like time spent with soothing music, calming scents and a stress-relieving massage. Great for parents, massage is also a fun and relaxing thing to do with children — even babies!
- Use indoor voices. Children are not the only ones who benefit from learning to use indoor voices. Raised voices raise stress levels, so teach and model how to calmly express thoughts, feelings and frustrations instead.
- Play. Find a game that you can play together — whether it’s rolling a ball with your baby, playing make-believe with your preschooler or playing a board game with your kindergartner. Instead of playing to win, this playful parenting focuses on fun, helps develop social-emotional skills and builds relationships that help fend off stress.
- Be thankful. Make time to express gratitude. It’s as easy as dedicating time each evening to sharing something you’re thankful for. As young children grow and develop, they will gain the ability to identify and communicate their own examples, and your child will establish a meaningful, lifelong habit.
As this list suggests, doing small things together — including these simple stress-relieving activities — can be beneficial for the whole family.
Looking for more tips to help you navigate stress? Check out these ideas for letting go of parent guilt.
Let go of "Parent Guilt"
moreDe-Stressing and Spending Quality Time with Your Kids
more6 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Make Friends
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreIt's Hot Out There! Summer Skin Care Tips for Your Child
moreHow Working Parents Stay Connected with Their Kids During the Summer
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose Reviews from Real Moms
moreDo you have a "Threenager"? Confessions from the Mom of a Threenager
moreBattle Bedwetting with These 4 Tips!
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes & Crafts
moreParent Testimonial
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow Primrose Differs from Montessori
moreCelebrate Back to School with these 5 Crafts & Activities!
more5 Family Staycation Ideas!
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more5 Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July at Home
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreMy Kid is Turning into a Bully! How Do I Stop it?
moreDon't Pass the Phone: 7 Alternatives to Screen Time
moreOne Size Does Not Fit All - Tips for Raising Siblings by Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreYelp & FB - Parent Reviews of Primrose Ken Caryl
moreStraight from the Source: Why Moms Love SwimLabs Littleton
moreParent Reviews of The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow to Ask About Your Child's Art
moreParent Testimonials
moreHow to Survive Toddler Tantrums - Pointers for Parents
moreReturning to Work After Maternity Leave
moreParent Review Primrose School of Ken Caryl - YELP
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHoliday Gift Guide for Ages 0-5
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Decorations & Crafts
moreHow to Handle Food Allergies During Trick-or-Treating
more4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Against Cold & Flu Season
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrep Step: What to Pack in Case of a Disaster?
moreParent Facebook Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePositive Parenting Tips and Scripts
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreFacebook Parent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreSnacktivity 101 - Healthy and quick Banana Fruit Sushi
morePreschool Classrooms at the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose School of Ken Caryl - Highly Recommended
moreHow to Prepare Your Child For Riding a Bike
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more4 Reasons Why Reading to Babies is Beneficial
moreStart Your Child's Story the Right Way
more5 Ways to Involve Your Child in Household Chores
moreParent Review - The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreThe Power of Toddler Compliments
more