Often, as soon as they wake up in the morning, children are catapulted into a world that is all a race. But this is neither good for them nor for us. What can we do to slow down a little and give the little ones back the right to healthy slowness?
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In our society the slowness it is often associated (wrongly) with the concept of weakness or is something that very few can afford. We are always in a hurry since early in the morning and probably the first words our children hear as soon as they wake up, after (hopefully) a "Good morning" are: "come on have breakfast we're late", "hurry up to get dressed", "you're ready ? " Etc. etc.
We then continue with the run to school and maybe in the afternoon with a spin, like a top, in the direction of various activities: various sports, English, music, scouts, catechism and so on and so forth. Time to be quiet for a moment: a little; time to get bored (and as we know boredom at an early age is very important for developing creativity): almost none.
But then why don't we slow down a little? All this eternal race that we often plan even on weekends, is certainly neither healthy nor advisable for our children and not even for us, yet it seems that we just can't avoid it and that in some way it has become an integral part our.
Slowness, on the other hand, would do us so much good and can help, in particular i children, to live more peacefully by keeping stress and anxiety at bay. So how can we recover some calm?
Here are some simple tips to put into practice right away.
Read also: Slowness Day 2022: let's free ourselves from anger and pain, it's time to appreciate what we have
Index
Waking up a little earlier
Surely the first thing to do to be able to go a little more calmly, at least in the morning, is to wake up 15-30 minutes earlier. This way you will have that extra time that will help you start the day without running.
Go to bed earlier
Especially for children, taking half an hour of sleep can be a problem, so in your routine you should also change the time of putting to bed by anticipating it a little according to the needs of the child and the family.
Let's start with a smile
Especially on Mondays, at least so they say, the mood is not the best. Let's try to change this pattern. Starting the day with a smile helps the little ones get off to a good start by limiting anxiety and stress. The morning will be less hard even if we sing or if we find a few minutes to pamper the little ones.
Keep the TV (and cell phones) off
The TV should be turned off in the morning as well as the mobile phones of mom and dad, so that you can use all the time necessary to prepare yourself calmly, taking into account everyone's needs. Children will also have the opportunity to dress themselves and prepare things for school using as much time as they need, without rushing and without distractions.
Eat together
If possible, and family schedules allow, about 10-15 of those minutes earned by waking up earlier should be used for breakfast together. A moment to talk about the programs you have for the day but also a healthy habit for the health of the whole family. It would also be fundamental to have dinner together. According to some researches, in fact, in this way the relationship between the various people is promoted as well as understanding and love develop. Eating together gives children the opportunity to digest not only their food but also the events of the day. Maybe you don't succeed every day but whenever possible it is good to take advantage of this opportunity.
Cut back on some afternoon activities
Even after school is often a rush towards various activities that, among other things, children do not always appreciate. Never force them, indeed sports and various courses should be reduced to a minimum to give the little ones time to stay in the park, play with friends or alone at home and also to get a little bored. Boredom, in fact, contrary to what is sometimes believed, is positive and allows the child to give free space to imagination and creativity. An agenda that is too full of things to do leaves no room, among other things, for any additions that can also be as pleasant as a last-minute invitation from a friend.
Quality time
Even if the time you have to spend with the little ones is little, it doesn't matter as long as it is of quality and that you dedicate it exclusively to them without distractions (the usual TVs, cell phones, PCs, etc.). When you come home from work, for example, spend at least the first half hour talking and playing with the little ones. You can also plan your time with them for days to come.
Grow with their times
Children's right to slowness should also be guaranteed in terms of development and learning. Parents often seem to be competing to see who has the earliest child but, as they say, we must consider that "every child has her own time"! These should always be respected even in learning: there are those who, for example, are quicker to do their homework, those who are slower and in need of attention from parents and teachers. Never force your hand too hard to want your children to turn into something they are not, or are not yet ready to be.
Reduce your personal commitments
This is undoubtedly the most difficult challenge for adults, namely that of reducing their personal commitments for the benefit of themselves and the family. After all, however, going slower inevitably requires giving up something. It can be even a small thing, a commitment that is considered less important, bearing in mind that the children will be children for a limited period of time, a time that does not come back.
Essentiality
Every day at home, the many objects we accumulate take away a lot of useful time and energy. Of course we want our home to be clean, organized and well managed. If we try to keep only the essential things we will only have to gain. Having less, in fact, also translates into less load, less stress, less anxiety and less time that we should devote to taking care of things that often we don't even need.
What do you think? Are you among those who run all day or have you found a way to slow down a bit?
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Read also:
- Let the children get bored
- We teach children about happiness, not perfection
- 8 phrases you should never say to a child
