Thinking about the horrendous stress families, especially Mothers, are dealing with today reminded me about three authors who talk about how to deal with stress.
First I want to address Mother's. You don't have to be super human. You don't have to do it all and yes you can cry and throw things. Just do it in the privacy of your bedroom or bathroom. And when possible get outside and go for a brisk walk, with our without children. Breathe fresh air, release the anger and frustration, think how grateful you are for the little things. This too can be a teachable moment for your children. Teach them to EXHALE and let go, to breathe IN and be thankful for what they have.
Besides; cleaning, cooking, laundry, earning a living, now the world wants you to be your child's best friend, mentor, entire social life and school teacher. TOO much -- I agree. Delicate. Even a 3 yr old can wash dishes, a 5 yr. old can take the trash out, an 8 yr old can do laundry, dust, run the vacuum and scrub the bathroom. A 10 yr old can make out the grocery list and a teenager can learn to do the shopping. And the last two can entertain NOT torment the younger children.
Now for those school lessons. How do you think the pioneers (your great-grandmothers) did it. A little at a time. Not a whole days worth. So what if they don't learn it all? Remember Rome was not built in a day.
Enlist some outside help. Ask your friends to recommend children 2-3 years older than your own. Contact them by phone or email. Ask if they would be willing to help tutor your younger child via phone, email or zoom? If they are maybe your older children can tutor them or you can offer help in some other way. We all have talents someone else can appreciate.
Remember we are all in this together. Now for my three authors.
Dan Pink: His first book a Whole New Mind taught me why children will NOT eat anything green. See page 8 in Cooking with Judy, it's a real eye opener. He also taught me about dealing
with stress in his example of, Square Pegs in Round Holes. For a quick review see page 20 in Volume 2. What a bright, kind and gentle soul he is.
Vern Harnish: Find his newsletters most informative on successful business practices. He too says we are killing industry and our economy with asking too much of our employees. There are lots of studies on the how ineffective multi-tasking is.
Alan Cohen: Truly enjoy his motivation quotes each morning. Good instructions for self-care.
Please stay safe, wear a mask, keep your 6-10' of social distancing and stay home as much as possible. If you are lucky to live in the same home as others. HUG them often.
From your friend in the kitchen, Judy
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