I read an article recently on what makes a happy family. What stood out was that most kids wish their parents were less stressed and tired.
Kids are silly. They want to have fun. We, adults, like fun too but sometimes it’s hard to remember that when you’re trying to get to the grocery store before naps or to a music class on time.
One of my regular challenges with Micha is getting clothes on to leave the house. Remembering that kids want silly parents, I took a new approach to our regular battle. I made her clothes jump and dance shouting out for her to come put them on. I asked what should go on next, realizing the order doesn’t matter. She giggled like crazy the whole time. Micha also got a little hyper putting on the last item but it wasn’t the battle it normally is. I was silly and had fun, she enjoyed it AND we got dressed in 1/4 of the usual time. It all happened without tears or screams too!
Laughter makes us feel good. It releases oxytocin, making us happier and less stressed. Who doesn’t want moe of that in their life?!?
Since I read that article, I try to include a ‘laughter time’ each day. I either tickle Micha, read a funny book, find something to laugh at with her or do something silly like make her clothes dance. I embrace the times that she is silly or funny and we stretch it out and have a good, hard belly laugh. It makes a difference in our days!
I know I stress out easily. I also know I don’t want my kids wishing they had a happier mom. The latter keeps me motivated to be less tired and less stressed, even if that means making one silly time a day.
Bring five minutes of laughter into each day this week and see how it feels. Guaranteed you’ll want to continue!
🙂 Angela
Angela M. Barbieri
I am a happy mother of two. I’ve written for as long as I can remember. Since becoming a mother, I’ve started sharing my writing to connect with others and share what I learn. I hope to support parents through my writing because parenting challenges us (understatement) but also allows us to relive innocent, new experiences through the eyes of our children (amazing!).
For more posts, (not all parent-related) check out: http://momange.tumblr.com/
