Tips and resources to support children birth to age five
How Do You Find Time for You and Your Family to Unwind?
I’m writing this from a hotel room on beautiful Lake Chelan. I’ll be making a presentation in the morning and my stay in this wonderful location is being funded by the conference organizers. A working vacation! I’ll take it, even for just a day….When was that last time you took a day off? When was the last time you just went somewhere and enjoyed yourself and your family with no agenda? Too many times we find ourselves running from commitment to commitment, feeling stretched. Even when we feel proud of being such a super multi-tasker, we know, deep inside, that slowing down also can feel good. Very good.
As I was driving to Chelan, through the mountains, feeling my ears pop with the changes in altitude, watching the mist and clouds floating above me, then coming out on the other side to what is suddenly, undeniably The West – with signs warning of bighorn sheep on the roadway – I realized that getting away like this is a good thing. I need to do it more often.
How about you? When was the last time you just took a break from the everyday? What have you got planned for yourself and your family, very soon? How will you find the time to unwind?
Answer the question for the chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card AND a Life with Baby DVD brought to you by Talaris Institute! For more details, please click here. Views: 2
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by lisa moore gee on -
first of all WOW! I just found you and I live in Wenatchee!! how funny! Well I think the last time honestly I had a day off was when I went to Seattle for a day with my husband to do some shopping and have dinner. We asked his sister to watch the kids and we would be back that night. well we got stuck about 15 miles or so from the top of the pass going back home that night cause it snowed and they closed it. we drove back down and called his sister, (And i'm crying lol) , then got a hotel. nice to have a night off together but still missed my kids and felt bad his sister had to watch them all night! great dinner and time together ☺
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Permalink Reply by Amy Bachmann on
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I attended the same conference in Lake Chelan last year and took the whole family with me! We loved the relaxation at the end of each day. Since then, I have had a third child who is now 9 weeks old, which is why I am not in Chelan this year! But, my family of 5 (and that includes three young boys) take time out every week together. We have kept Chelan in our minds all year long. Every single weekend we have a "party" to celebrate each other. Sometimes there is a real occasion to celebrate, like a birthday. Other times we have a "dance party", a "movie party" or even a "drawing party" where we all do art together. No matter the reason, my 6 year old son recently told me that his favorite part of life were all of the holidays. I asked if he meant Christmas or Thanksgiving. "No," he replied "the holidays we celebrate every week". For me, taking the time to celebrate family has given us all the most happiness and relaxation!
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Permalink Reply by Chrissy G. on
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We have family game nights where we play fun board games that are simple yet entertaining enough. We also like to attend sporting events together especially if one of my many many cousins is playing!
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Permalink Reply by Alma Macaraeg on -
Having a toddler and a husband is tough to find time to unwind. So, I find time for myself to unwind by having one hour a day “appointment” . That one hour is a commitment to my need and want. I use it to my heart desire…to relax, watch tv, nap, read a book, go to a spa, call a friend, etc. When I take care of myself, it makes me a better and relaxed mother and a person. And by doing so, I can teach my family to also unwind. My family unwinds by spending time together in the park, play lego, watch a movie, and quiet time.
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Permalink Reply by Foundation for Early Learning on -
Congratulations to Amy Bachmann for winning this week's contest!
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Permalink Reply by Kristi Hartman on -
I was once given advice from Dr. Joy Staley to always follow the 2/2/2 rule with my husband. A date night - every 2 weeks, An overnight - every 2 months, and a Vacation - every 2 years...so lofty goals mean we get close, right? It had been 2 years since the last overnight...so we just said forget work, obligations, etc. and we went to Seaside for the weekend. There was a moratoreum put on anything that resembled "do something", negativity or stress...and it was wonderful! I'd highly recommend aiming high for self care and at least when you get close it helps!
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Permalink Reply by Foundation for Early Learning on
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Congratulations to Amy Bachmann! After a random drawing, she has won a $25 Starbucks gift card and a Life with Baby DVD!
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Permalink Reply by Amy Bachmann on -
Thank you so much! I am so excited! With a 10 week old baby at home, this will come in very handy!
Foundation for Early Learning said:Congratulations to Amy Bachmann! After a random drawing, she has won a $25 Starbucks gift card and a Life with Baby DVD!
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