Stress Buffer Memories from Summer
Hi again,
Here we are, just a few weeks into the September routine, and some of the usual stressors are starting to creep back into our lives. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the demands of daily life seem to pile up all at once. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that these challenges are real and valid, but also manageable with a little planning and self-compassion.
Here are some common daily scenarios that get our stress juices flowing:
- Getting healthy meals on the table
- Getting out the door on time
- Surviving the everyday ups and downs while navigating playgroup dynamics, childcare drop-offs, school challenges or work stress
- Juggling extracurriculars and bedtime routines
That list doesn’t include the additional tasks we juggle every day—like managing household chores, running errands, supporting extended family, and tackling seasonal maintenance. These responsibilities can make summer holidays feel like a distant memory...
When Children Feel the Stress
Children definitely react to this increased pace, and you may see evidence of this in the hidden messages of their misbehavior. Whining, aggression, attitude, tears, clinginess, sore tummies, headaches, and temper tantrums are all signs that life is not in balance for your child.
In Kim Payne’s book, Simplicity Parenting, he equates these difficult behaviors to having a “soul fever.” Kids experience turmoil or problems they need to work through, and they display these struggles through their behavior. Payne suggests that just as with a fever from a childhood illness, when a child has a soul fever, we need to pull back, simplify, and slow things down to restore balance.
I like to think about the stress buffers I can try to provide for my child everyday. These might include small but meaningful actions, like ensuring unstructured playtime, offering extra hugs, or simply sitting together for a quiet moment. These buffers can help create a sense of security and calm amidst life’s busyness.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
By the way, we as parents need stress buffers too. A chat with a good friend on the phone, a walk, a run or bike ride, a cup of tea, and a chapter of your latest book interest—even a fleeting glance at the newest magazines while you wait in line to pay for groceries. All these little moments of peace add up to a more resilient, happier person and family.
When you’re trying to slow things down and connect with your loved ones, help them remember the slow pace of summer—the sandcastles you built together or the picnic you had at a lake. Describe how you felt, using all your senses to bring everyone back to those peaceful, slow, happy feelings and push back against the stressors. You can be a treasure box of happy memories for your child, giving them the gift of changing their thoughts when things are hard, rough, or scary. Heck, if you’re feeling creative, make a scrapbook together of some favorite memories.
Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s essential to carve out moments for your own rest and renewal. These small acts of self-care can help you show up as the parent you aspire to be.
If you’re looking for more personalized strategies or a listening ear, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a plan that works for your unique family dynamic.
You’ve got this!
Enjoy the rest of September.....
Joanne
