Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I’m jealous of my children. They are off for the summer. Mostly free to do what they want, and I am not. Not only am I not free to do what I want, I actually have more responsibilities. I need to be creative and plan activities to entertain them. I know, I should have thought of that a long time ago. I just don’t want to be angry and frustrated with them. I love my kids and am thankful that they get some breaks. I just want a break as well.

No Summer Off For Me Dear No Summer Off For Me,

I hear you, parents. I want the summer off as well. It is this time of year when I wish I was a teacher or at least in the school system. That wish doesn’t happen very often because I could never deal with the pressures that our educators deal with. You gotta love them. Now more than ever, when we have had the pandemic to deal with and actually got to try to educate our sweet little ones. Not exactly a dream job, was it?

What can you do to make summertime more special and take off some of the grind that it entails? What can you do to replenish yourself and rejuvenate in the summer like others do? What do you need to happen in the summer to feel better?

I would start with letting yourself off the hook a little bit. Let go of some of the chores you demand of yourself. Can the kids be more involved with the chores? Can you take a lit tle time, (I know that’s the problem, no extra time) and set up some rewards or benefits for your precious angels helping more around the house? What chores can you just let go? Do you really have to have a perfectly clean house? Do you have to have meals that would make Martha proud? I don’t think so. Let go and make time for yourself.

What might you do to relax more? Can you set a more relaxed routine for summers? What about if you start doing some selfcare? Self-care is so important. I know I might talk about it alot but the problem is many of us don’t even start self-care until it is almost too late. Our bodies and our minds really do need attention. Believe me, when your bodies start revolting, you will wish you would have listened to me sooner. Now is the time to start some good routines, and don’t let them go once summer is over.

Most importantly, ask yourself what you want and what you need to happen for the summer. Do you want to spend more time outside? I know it is hot, really hot, however it does a body good to spend some time outside. Early morning is probably the best but the least convenient if you work outside of the home. Try to pick the coolest time that is available to you. Drink lots of water. Eat lighter.

Maybe just do something different. We all crave some variety. How can you add some variety to your day-to-day experiences? Mix it up. Try something new.

Love,

Aunt B

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