Getting out the door. A relatively simple thing before having kids. Now, probably the most stressful part of our day! Robert Munsch is quite right when he says it will take Thomas 30 minutes to put on his snowsuit in Thomas’ Snowsuit. Actually, that needs to be doubled in my opinion. And getting your child put on their snowsuit for the 95th day in a row is no easy task!
How do we create a little ease as we transition out the door? Why yoga and a couple other tricks of course. Here are a few tips that have worked for us.
1. Start EARLY. - I do what I can the night before to aid in a swift getaway. Lunches/snacks packed, extra stuff in the backpacks, winter gear ready.
2. SHHHHHH. - I create my own reality. When i’ve had 10 previous experiences of stressful exits, I tend to go to that place and create that reality before even giving a chance for a calmer experience. I find when i’m quiet (and I very easily get loud), things happen much faster.
3. Have Less Stuff. - Minimalism is my happy place, although it is a huge challenge with little kids. When your life and entranceway is not full of clutter, you can have a clearer mind to focus on what matters as you leave.
4. BREATHE. - Probably the most important, pausing to breathe gives you a second to respond to the chaos in a more productive way. Encourage your child to practice a breathing technique they’ve learned in yoga class (ex: bee, lion, bunny breaths)! This can be a fun little game and give light to the situation.
Let’s savour winter, spring will be here before we know it!
Peace,
Megan