Listen, You’ve Got This!!!

How did you get it all done today? In this crazy time we can choose to stress out or we can take advantage of time we have at home with our kids and truly make a difference in their lives! Stress can so easily sneak it and bite us. But we can’t afford to let that happen! So what do we do???

We choose to “Be The Difference” in our child’s life.

How to “Be Their Difference”

The purpose of this blog is to help teachers in elementary classrooms to be the difference maker in their district, school, and classroom… BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY TO “BE THE DIFFERENCE” TO EACH STUDENT

During this crazy, scary, and stressful time in our lives with so many changes in our households, I am finding myself, as a teacher-mom, helping parents and teachers alike! My goal is to help you be a difference maker in your home, in your work force, and in the educational world.

Practical Ways You Can “Be Their Difference”

Prioritize-What is really important? Ask yourself this question everyday! Then look at your list and consider what is most important at that time. Is it all the little tasks of the day? Is it a clean house? Or is it slowing down and just being together (with whoever that may be). In the past year, I’ve realized at work and at home that we are in such a rush to get things done, to get the data, to teach the skills, to be in every sport, to do, do, do. THEN YOU STOP AND THINK ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TIME FOR AND ALL THE RELATIONAL SKILLS THAT ARE BEING LEFT OUT…. and then you look at that priority list again and ask yourself, “What is REALLY important?”

My List of Priorities for my kids

• Time with God/Meditation– Indescribable by: Louie Giglio is a children’s devotional that is about Science and God. Each morning we read 1 page and my kids are loving it. They are learning all kinds of cool scientific facts and learning about God. It only take 10-15 min. It’s a great way to start or end your day!
• Academics– Follow your child’s teacher’s plan!!! Being a teacher I’m loving coming up with great ideas for my kids to do. But on those days when I’m feeling stressed and have my own work to accomplish, it’s refreshing to know that all I really need to do, is provide my kids with time and a good space to complete their school work. It is ok for them to work independently while mom gets her work done too. It’s good for kids to see their parents working hard!
• Play (structured and unstructured)- A normal school day has both structured and unstructured play. Both are vital for learning, physical development, and brain development. Sending your kids outside to play for an extended amount of time to OK!!!! It allows them (and you) to relax and have fun! It’s ! Structured play is also very important for kids. They need to learn to take turns, strategize, work as a team, etc. Some ideas include scavenger hunts, board games, playing an organized backyard sport, playdough, legos, etc. Click on the colored words to link you to freebies and ideas for these items.
• Building Relationships– Sitting at a table together for meals is the best way to do this! Kids need to sit and talk to each other. This means no technology during these times (at least in this house). Pick a topic and talk! Encourage your kids to stay on topic. Until it is time for a new topic. Let your kids take turns picking the topic! A game we play at dinner is called “High/Low” the kids share the best part of their day and the lowest part of their day. This gives you insight to what is important to them and you learn alot about what bothers them. This gives you a chance to coach them through their struggles and it gives you specific areas to celebrate.
• Health and Wellness– Mental Health will be very important during this time being in our homes. It is vital to make this a priority for your kids and for yourself! Find little ways to clear your mind, get lots of exercise, and rest! Stick to bed times, wash hands, don’t touch your face! Do everything you can to stay healthy!

I believe that this Pandemic we are living with right now is forcing us all to SLOW DOWN and it’s providing us with an opportunity to really consider what is REALLY important!

Leave me comment and share how you are choosing to relax rather than stress out! How are you Being Their Difference? Also, feel free to share this post if you know somebody that it can help!