6 minute read
Take A Break All Families Need Downtime
from Scoop Magazine
What does your family’s schedule look like? Are your weekdays jammed full of afterschool activities and accomplishments? Are your weekends dominated by sporting matches, client dinners and family catch ups? Do you feel like you live in your car? Do you sometimes forget what your partner looks like as you seem to be ships in the night?
Life can be intense, between juggling work, kids, family and friends it can seem like a constant merry-go-round that never stops. We all want our kids to be the best that they can be and we want to give them all that we , which is precisely why we are all so busy. What we sometimes forget amongst the constant stream of piano lessons, gymnastics and soccer try-outs, is to actually slot some downtime into our family’s hectic schedules. Downtime is the often forgotten, neglected but much needed friend that all parents, children and families need so that they can make it through their day, week, year and life without becoming stressed and overwhelmed.
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Who needs downtime?
Parents need downtime
We need time away from the role of being a parent. Sometimes we just need a few minutes of peace and quite to just be still and clear our heads. Taking time to do something for yourself that makes you happy can be an incredible tonic and sanity saver.
Couples need downtime
It is really important for parents to remember to take some time to invest in their own relationship. Spending time with your partner and taking some time out together without the kids does not in anyway detract from your parenting skills. In fact reconnecting with your partner and spending some quality time together can help make you feel calmer and happier and when you are calmer and happier generally so too is your household.
Kids need downtime
Just like adults, kids also need moments of peace and quiet and even stillness. They do not need every moment of their day filled to the brink with activities and events. Some would even argue that as parents we in fact do our kids a disservice by not giving them the “gift of boredom”. Kids need time to simply relax, unwind, re-charge their batteries and to process and make sense of the plethora of information, learning and general chaos that they have had thrown at them throughout the day. Downtime is a really important part in the minds ability to process information and restore the body’s energy levels.
Families need downtime
It is really tempting to accept every play date, party invitation or cocktail party that you and your children are invited to. The problem with accepting all these invitations is that it leaves no time for family time. Sometimes, it’s ok to say no and politely decline an invitation or miss a family or friends catch-up because family time is important and valuable too. The working week is normally and so busy that it is hard to squeeze in any family time. If you manage the odd family dinner then you are doing well. That is why it is so important not to overschedule your weekends. Leave some time to do things together with your family, leave some time to relax after a long and busy week – leave some time for surprises.
Make downtime time a priority
Most of us are not naturally inclined to take a break or to stop when there are still things that need to get done. Many of us schedule so much into our day that it is literally overflowing and we feel like we are constantly playing catch up. As important as all your jobs, roles and responsibilities may be – so
too is downtime – so make it a priority. Look at both you and your family’s week ahead and actively look for moments that you can factor in some downtime. Allocate time in the week that your kids can just be kids without all the stress and demands that so often surround them. Take time out to watch a movie with your partner or go to a yoga class. You and your family will be happier for it.
10 SUPERFOODS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
Every parent knows that children should be eating a ‘balanced diet’ but what exactly is a balanced diet and how can you make sure that your child is getting all the nutrients and vitamins they need?
Children need nutritionally dense foods and healthy fats to help both their body and mind grow and develop.
All too often we think of ‘kids food’ as those quick and easy meal options that will be consumed without complaint or fuss, when what we should really be thinking about is what foods can we feed our kids that pack the most powerful nutritional punch?
Here are some simple ‘Super-Foods’ that can easily be incorporated into your child’s diet and which will help them to get all the vitamins and minerals that they need in a day.
EGGS An egg is not only a little protein power ball but it is also one of the few foods that naturally
contain vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. Eating protein for breakfast helps kids to feel satisfied for longer and prevents those mid morning hunger pangs.
OATMEAL Fiber-rich whole grains, like oatmeal, digest slowly, providing kids with a steady
stream of energy.
BLUEBERRIES
Packed with antioxidants, blueberries also help ward of cancer and other diseases.
SWEET POTATOES
This is a vey versatile vegetable that can be easily incorporated into many a meal. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and iron, they pack a huge punch.
AVOCADOS These are a fantastic source of monounsaturated or ‘good’ fats which are essential in aiding growth and development in children.
BROCCOLI
This green goodness is chock full of vitamins and minerals and helps ward off cell damage and helps eyesight in kids.
YOGURT
A great kid friendly snack that is full of calcium, protein, vitamin B, zinc and phosphorus.
TUNA AND SALMON Some kids are hesitant to try tuna or salmon but if it’s worthwhile convincing them to give it a go as it’s completely packed with Omega-3, the healthy fat that helps brain development and sets your child up for a healthy heart.
BEANS AND LEGUMES
There are such a variety of beans available that the chances are your child will like one type or another. Beans are a fantastic source of fiber and actually promote good blood sugar by releasing glucose slowly which helps to stabalise mood and energy levels.
SEAWEED
Packed with loads of Amino acids, vitamins and minerals seaweed is said to be one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet – perfect for the growing brains and bodies of children!
Try and incorporate some of these foods into your child’s daily food intake and you will be setting them up with good future food habits and helping their young bodies to get all the vitamins, minerals and energies that they need to develop and function at an optimum level.
