Start the new year off right!

If you do nothing else in 2019, do this!

By Susie Ramroop

No parent ever reaches the end of their life saying, I really wish I’d spent less time with my kids...well I hope not! In fact most of us are trying to find ways to spend more time with our kids because we know that both they and we will benefit. It isn’t always straightforward to achieve, however. Instead, I recommend you focus spending the time you already have differently.

Here are 3 steps to make that time more pleasurable, and less stressful for the whole family:

1. Slow down

Slow parenting is a style I have adopted since my daughter was a few months old. She was crying all the time, and so was I. I realised that we were both being run ragged trying to keep up with all the other Mums doing baby massage and swimming. When I started listening to my gut, I realised that neither of us were enjoying those activities, we both just wanted to slow down and chill out. Our sleep consistency got better, and so did our ability to listen to each other’s needs and wants.

2. Get organised

Write down a list of all the things that are MUST dos before you can leave the house. Generally we need to do the same things in the same order at the same time every day in order to get to school on time. I’ve observed many families taking their time for much of the morning and then racing to get out of the door. Stop! Do what has to be done first, and if there is time to relax afterwards, then do it. My daughter has a checklist that she created aged 6. Now I don’t ask her to do anything, I just ask her to check her list. It means when I am ready to leave she is already in the hallway with her coat on. This is a far cry from how it used to be – asking 3 times to put her shoes on, getting frustrated, and running out of the door, late, having forgotten at least one important thing.

3. Enjoy the simple things

Contrary to what you might believe, kids don’t need to busy all the time. If you believe that it is probably because you are also falling into the same trap. Give yourself (and your kids) a break. Trust that sometimes you just need to sit and watch a movie together – a whole movie, with popcorn and no glancing at electronic devices. Put on some music, play a game; whatever you love to do as a family. Don’t overwhelm their senses. And don’t create pressure on yourself to be the source of everyone’s entertainment!

Susie Ramroop is a transformational coach who helps professional parents to have a bigger impact in their lives. She runs coaching programmes and retreats for women who need to release, replenish and reset. Book your free clarity call with her at www.susieramroop.com/booking.