How Parents Can Connect With Kids Even When Exhausted
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Parenting is a tough gig. Quite often we find ourselves exhausted and disconnected from our children. Here are some ways you can connect with your kids even when you are exhausted.
Well, I didn’t get my name Tired Mom Supermom from nowhere. I am absolutely exhausted, on all levels, all the time.
Us mom’s are so busy and it seems like everyone wants something all at the very same time. I mean why does that happen? Who knows…it just does.
But that doesn’t mean that I can’t have those wonderful connections with my children through all the tiredness.
So how do we stay sane through the exhaustion and still create connections?
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How To Connect With Kids When Exhausted
Prioritize
You’ll want to make sure that you are prioritizing your tasks. The most important things you need to focus on are keeping the kids alive and getting the essential tasks completed.
Here are my daily essential tasks that help me not get too overwhelmed:
- 1 load of laundry
- Clean kitchen
- Kids fed
- Kids dressed for outdoor play
- Get myself dressed in something cozy but wearable for the outdoors…yoga pants and sweatshirt for the win.
- Converse with husband about his day (connecting with him is so important too!)
If I can complete those things, I can call it a successful day. Heck sometimes the laundry doesn’t get done…it can get done tomorrow.
Now that the essentials are taken care of, I can prioritize the fun.
The Fun
I don’t love to always entertain my kids. In fact, I love it when they get bored because I can really see their imaginations climb out!
Providing them with STEM activities, encouraging art sessions and allowing video games are all things that help me out. It’s not selfish to promote independence for children. Their independence means more freedom for you to get your affairs in order.
So how can you create connections when they play independently?
You talk to them! Ask them about their activity. Engage in the conversations they start. For example “Wow that is a big red leaf! Why did you choose red? Will you draw a green one, or a yellow one too?”
You get your child talking to you, connecting with you, and still, they are engaging in independent play while you do your thing.
You Are Important Too Momma
Here are some things you can do in an exhausted state.
Forgive yourself: You cannot do everything, you aren’t superman. What you do and what you are is enough for the children and your husband.
Connect throughout the day: Talk to your children during meal times, turning down the car radio to have a conversation and chatting during bedtime routine are all simple yet effective ways to connect with your kids.
Laugh: I know you’re exhausted, but a smile or a laugh can help you get a little more energized. Tickle your children or encourage your child to tell you some knock-knock jokes. It doesn’t take a lot of effort and it’s really fun. Laugh throughout the day. Your children love to see you smile.
Make lists: I love list-making. It really helps me get everything accomplished. If I write down “playground after school” on my list, then I feel obligated to take the kids to the playground after school, even if I’m tired. I find that getting outside helps me feel more human.
If nothing is working and your house is in chaos, the kids are loud and rambunctious and you are simply too exhausted to connect…then forget it all.
YES, I said it. Forget it all.
Your kids will be fine. Just make sure they eat something throughout the day.
Get yourself a cup of coffee or tea, sit on the couch and forget everything. Watch the kids play, scroll through your phone, do whatever you need to do to recharge.
Nothing is going to happen if your house stays messy for one day, or a week even. You’ll get back on track when you get some sleep.
Take care of yourself momma and the connections with kids will come about.
Encourage your children to cuddle up with you on the couch and watch movies together. You can always close your eye for a few moments during a movie if your child is cuddled up with you calmly.
Wrapping Up: Connecting With Kids When You Are Exhausted
The thing is, mom’s life is hard. It really is. There will be days where you are so tired you don’t even know how you are going to get out of bed.
But guess what? You will get out of bed and you will take care of the children because you have to.
But you don’t have to be that supermom with all the crafts prepared days in advance, or the daily baking completed by 5 am, or simply be the perfect Pinterest mom. By the way, if you think I am the perfect Pinterest mom with my website titled Tired Mom Supermom, get out of here with that nonsense. I’m just like you.
Remember that cuddles and tickles can go a long way to create those connections. You can create connections in smaller ways and they will be just as valuable.
What You Should Do Next:
1. Subscribe To My Parenting Newsletter
Sign Up For My Parenting Newsletter for tips on creating a happier home and becoming a more positive parent. As a bonus when you subscribe you’ll get a copy of my FREE Growth Mindset Printout For Kids which is the KEY to raising resilient kids with a growth mindset.2. Register For A Pretty Awesome FREE 60-Minute Class:
Register for a free class called GET KIDS TO LISTEN THE RIGHT WAY; an exclusive FREE class from nationally recognized parenting coach, Amy McCready.3. Sign Up For A 7 Step Positive Parenting Course
Enroll now in the most in-depth parenting class. After discovering these common sense, easy-to-implement, research-based tools you can learn how to:- Easily get kids to listen – the FIRST time. No yelling or reminding…not even once!
- Put an end to daily power struggles. Bedtime became a breeze, and all the dawdling, chore wars, sibling rivalry, and mealtime meltdowns disappeared.
- Reduce backtalk by HALF! It’s simple once you know the secrets of these two ‘buckets.’
- Say goodbye to punishments that DON’T work. There’s a 5-step formula that works WAYYY better than time-outs.
- Feel amazing, confident, and empowered as a parent, every day. I NEVER go to bed feeling guilty anymore! (Okay, well maybe sometimes…’ mom guilt’ is still a thing.)
Related Articles:
- How To Play With Toddlers
- The Importance Of Quiet Time For Kids
- 12 Easy Ways You Can spend Quality Time with Kids
- 9 Things That Kids Remember From Childhood (Creating Memories That Last)
- Conversation Games For Kids To Encourage Talking and Communication
