TGIF - But I’m Too Exhausted to Care!

WOOHOO!!!! It’s Friday, it’s the weekend, the Holy Grail of all working people and school kids. What happens when you are just too tired to really care? This is often what happens to parents of children with LDs. The week has been a constant effort to “keep things in control”, which requires a ton of energy. Now “keeping things in control” is a two way street. Your kids are exhausted too, they’ve stressed over school or social issues and they’ve tried to keep their behaviors in control or their LDs hidden. They need a Friday plan too, but today I’m focusing on the parents. Often we see or read about the experts who say “Taking care of yourself should be your number one priority.” Well we all know that is true, but seldom do we follow that advice. Perhaps making a Friday ritual will create a habit that will make it easier to stick to. Although there should be some ME, MYSELF and I time, you can make it work with family when there is no another choice. Here are a few ideas to create a Frantic Free Friday: DeStress - Put any work related items you may have brought home, out of sight. You don’t need a constant reminder that you have some things to do over the weekend. Find out what your children have too. Some kids want to get their school work out of the way, others would rather wait. Do what works for your child’s learning style. Change - Get out of your work clothes. Put on what makes you comfortable. It’s amazing how your body instantly relaxes. Then do some deep breathing - hey at least then you can validate the wearing of yoga pants! I always said to my kids to envision breathing in blue sparkles and then blowing out a black cloud. Fun - Do something fun! Laughter is the best medicine. You can have Fun Food Fridays. Pick favorite take-out or fun things to make that are easy and can get the kids involved. Pick a theme and put on some music. Have a silly game or surprise for everyone. A particular favorite is a good challenge of Cookie Face. Put a cookie on your forehead and get it to your mouth without using your hands. Everyone looks hysterical and it is just so simple. Me Time - Once you’ve spent some family fun time it’s time for you!! The kids are in bed! Settle in with a good book, have a glass of wine, watch the TV show you’ve wanted to see uninterrupted. Go for a walk, watch a movie, whatever works for you. You are usually much to tired to do much of anything else. Here’s a novel concept, GO TO BED!! I know it’s hard to do, everyone wants to hold onto his or her youthfully fun Friday nights, but sleep is what you need, it’s what recharges your battery. MOSTLY, save the date nights, getaways and spa adventures for Saturdays. You’re just too tired on a Friday. Denise Hasson is the mom of two successful adult children with dyslexia. She is also a library media specialist in an elementary school. In her 32 years of teaching she has worked with children who have many learning disabilities, so she sees learning differences from both the educational side and the parental side. Denise loves to read, talk, and make crafts.

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