Tips on de-stressing as a family

Happy New Year! It's the beginning of a new year, full of hopes and aspirations and plans for self-improvement.  As part of Munchkin Fun's re-Solution Month, I thought it would be great to offer parents some tips on how to de-stress as a family. 

We can sometimes feel a bit riled up after the frenzied holiday season and it's always a good idea to have some tools to keep your cool. Remember, your children are always watching you - imitating the good and the bad, so it's even more important that you learn and practice how to de-stress in healthy ways. Parents who don't know how to deal with everyday stress suffer from a snowball effect. They experience significant trouble dealing with issues and raise children who react in developmentally inappropriate ways to stress. When they try to deal with their child's reactions, they do so in generally ineffective ways  because both parent and child lack the coping skills. This leads to the parent feeling more stressed out more often. This lowers the amount of positive quality time spent as a family. Let's try to avoid this and start the year off right with some helpful tips:

1. Read your child's cues. Children can stress us out when they themselves are stressed. Try to pick up on cues at the onset such as hunger, sleepiness, boredom, over-exhaustion, feeling socially uncomfortable, and any changes in the family dynamic (as in a new sibling ). When you are able to pick up on cues from your child quickly, you are more likely to manage the situation before it gets out of hand. 
2. Music! Children love music. They love to dance and sing and what better way to de-stress and exercise a bit than by dancing away with your kids. You don't have to listen to kiddy music all the time. Play music that really touches your heart or brings back great memories and dance along with your children. They will appreciate and enjoy seeing this fun and goofy side to you. Studies have consistently proven that exercise is a great way to reduce stress. Dancing is a great way to rev up the production of endorphins (neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of well-being) and burn a few calories too. 
3. Conquer the great outdoors. Weather permitting, go out for a walk as a family and take a new route this time.  Try to enjoy the scenery and point some things out to your children and ask them to point out what they like. It's also okay to take a walk in silence. Enjoying each other's presence is enough to reduce stress and clear the mind. Prefer other activities? Go for a swim or play at a park. 
4. Take a breather. Recent studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can alter gene expression, thereby helping you lead a healthier and longer life.  In the midst of the noise, tantrums, disaster area that is called your child's room, and before you feel like you are about to lose it, take a breather. Tell your child you will be back in a few minutes and make sure your child is in a safe area at home. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that this too shall pass. 
5. Tackle each chore one at a time with your child.  If your child is old enough, ask him/her to assist in chores. Your child will feel honored that you think he/she is old enough to help. Your child will find the chores fun and exciting- only if you present them in such a way. It's key to not pay attention to the details and only focus on the big picture. It may take a bit longer to do the dishes and water may get splashed all over the counter top, but you shared a fun and educational moment with your child.