I get it. The feeling of your eyes sunken in, the bags starting to form, your body aches and all you really want is some good (uninterrupted) sleep.

Whether you’re at home all day, every day with the kids, or a working parent coming home to your family, “running on E” happens to the best of us. I definitely know this feeling and I’ve learned some tricks along the way to help get through the days (and nights) when I feel like I have nothing left to give.

So what can you let go of when your energy level doesn’t match the demands of your to-do list? For me, the answer is nothing. I wouldn’t say I “let go” of anything, but rather, I use my time and energy wisely. Of course, my least favorite chores always get pushed to the bottom of that list, like laundry and vacuuming, but the truth is that those things still need to get done; the question is now “when can I get this done?”.

The biggest thing I do to help myself is take a deep breath and think to myself “what can I do in this very moment to accomplish ___?”. Honestly, sometimes the answer is nothing and it was just my worries about my never-ending to-do list that kept me feeling overwhelmed. If that’s the case, then I take that as a mini grounding session and try to relax or spend time with my son either reading, laughing, coloring, or fighting whatever bad guy comes our way.

However, sometimes when I think about what absolutely needs to be done right away there are certain things that pop in my head. The greatest tool I give myself is a calendar with a list of important dates, bills, and events. This calendar helps me prioritize the big things so I can work quickly and efficiently to try and get to that rest time faster. For me, that visual reference helps me manage my time so I can visually see where I can plug in my list through the day, week, or month.

I’ve also learned that trying to do “too much” is usually what gets me in trouble. If I try and get EVERYTHING done all in one night, or in one day, I usually end up feeling even more overwhelmed and defeated than when I started. Tackling one thing at a time is the key to getting things done, like setting a specific day aside each week for cleaning certain rooms (i.e. bathrooms on Tuesday, kitchen on Thursday, etc.). Just take a look at your list or calendar, and physically mark off what gets done. That immediate sense of accomplishment can help keep you going, no matter how small.

But when it boils down to it- there is nothing more important than my son and this exact moment in time we get to share together. He doesn’t care if I have dishes in the sink from last nights’ dinner. He isn’t complaining about carpet that needs to be vacuumed or the fact that we may have had pizza twice this week. All he he sees is a warm, fun house that is a space for him to fully express himself. He sees a mom who laughs at his jokes and listens to his stories, while we work on laundry together. My son deserves a mom who is human; one who gets tired and just tries her best to provide the best for him.

-Ms. Caitlin
Wellness Coordinator

Have you ever had the question whether having toys is equal to having an activity or outing? Which one do you think is going to leave a more lasting impact on your kids?

Toys can play an important part in growing up and learning. Puzzles help with fine motor skills and shapes. Books teach literacy. Playing with toys can help children develop friendship and start conversations.

While toys can be a helpful tool, they can also become the easy answer at the end of a long, hard day. Sometimes it can be easier to give them a toy than to sit and converse with your children. They can also be misleading on how educational they really are.

Northern Arizona University states that the use of electronic toys do not promote language. Books and blocks yet have shown to do so. Ready made toys can also stifle a growing imagination.

Try giving your child a bunch of odds and ends and challenge them to make something. You will surprise yourself with how much fun they will have, and you will have a great chance to talk about what they are doing and see how your child thinks.

Having actual experiences with your child is very important. It is more real for the child and builds a connection between parent and child. Seeing and touching a real horse is more valued to a child than seeing a horse in a picture. Seeing the real thing allows them to comprehend their actual size, smell and feel. They can connect on a more personal level to a living thing. Spending time with the horse and their parents will make a forever memory. That memory would last and be valued more than the plastic toy horse that they lost or broke years before.

The art of socializing and conversation becomes a difficult thing to learn when people isolate themselves. This can happen when things and toys are thought to be more important experiences. Nothing encourages a growing child to be creative and to think more than strong relationships with their parents. Interactions is where they learn to problem solve, understand empathy and grow intellectually.

Toys can be useful and fun but shouldn’t be used as the final answer. Toys should be besides to, but not instead of, you.

~Ms. Dotty
NAEYC Coordinator
(National Association for the Education of Young Children)

The first day of preschool is such a huge milestone for children. In some cases this is the first experience parents will have being separated from them!

There are many feelings that come into play during this time for both the parent and child. It is important to really plan and be prepared for this day, as it will help with the waves of emotions that tend to occur.

Here are a few steps to take in preparations for that big first day:

1. Have your child tour the school with you. Once you have made the decision to enroll, bring your child to his/her new preschool to take a tour and explore the new surroundings. Your child will be spending a majority of their day there; they need to feel a sense of familiarity. Drop offs may be a bit hard at first, but having the chance to explore their new classroom before the first day offers a chance to lay a small bit of foundation.

2. Adjust bedtime and wake times before the first day. If you will need extra time in the morning for drop off be sure to try and get into that routine before starting school. Get your childs body adjusted as much as possible to any new wake up times, this may include setting up earlier bedtimes if necessary.

3. Communicate with your child about what is happening! They need to understand the best they can that they are going to be having fun, playing, learning, making new friends etc., but that you will come back! Sometimes it is very important for the child to hear the actual words” I will be back for you at XYZ time”. Hopefully the school will have routine board and you can show your child details about their day and about the time you will be returning. It is important for some children to have that detail of their day specifically mentioned so they have an “end” to their day and know that you will be coming for them.

4. Be prepared the night before. Have their backpack filled with everything that they need, your preschool will let you know what is required. Be sure to have everything labeled with their first and last name (or initial) so that new unfamiliar items to the new school do not get misplaced or lost. Have your child layout their first day of school outfit so that there is no fuss in the morning of what to wear.

5. Leave ahead of schedule that first day. Of course you are going to want take 100 pictures, there may be some fussing, you might forget the backpack, or his/her socks might feel weird. Pack ahead because you are not going to want to feel rushed. Allow a bit of extra time that morning so that no one feels stressed out and anxious that the schedule is not being met.

6. Most important, keep your feelings in check. I know this is so hard! If your child feels your sadness, worries, or sees you crying – they will carry that with them. They might feel that “negative” sensation that they shouldn’t be there, its hard for them to realize where your emotions are coming from, they are just growing up and this is a big step for everyone involved. Wait until you have exited the room completely then you cant let it all out! I promise, no judging!

So, take a deep breath! Being prepared as much as possible will greatly ease this huge transition for your family. Be sure to talk to your child about what is going on and make them feel excited and apart of the decision to start school. Preschool is their first experience of school, so make it exciting and fun!

~Ms. Whitney R.
Curriculum Coordinator