Pause & Reset

The weekend is the perfect time to hit the 'pause' and 'reset' button. Take some time this weekend to think about what has been working and what hasn't been working with the new routine your family is trying to find. This should happen in 2 parts. 

First, check in with your partner or any other caregivers in your home. Have this conversation with them first. Remember to leave behind any judgments (of them or you!) and stick to the facts. What has been working? What is not working? Make a list of what hasn't been working (your partner should do the same). Be sure to give your partner credit for what they have been doing and validate what has been difficult. Once you have compared notes, talk strategy and compromise.

Next, have a family meeting. This could be a great conversation for the dinner table or later on tonight. Children love being note takers so you could even get a big poster board and have your child(ren) make lists of what is working and what isn't, and then a final column of suggestions. This will be a great chance for your child to have some input and for you to get some feedback. You might be surprised at what he/she has to say. If there are a lot of things that don't seem to be working, pick just a few to work on for the next week. Trying to make too many changes at once might be more stressful. 

Plan to check in with your family every weekend in this format. This will allow your situation to remain fluid and flexible and just knowing that it is may relieve some of your stress on those days that just don't go well. 

~Dr. Sam