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December 2013 – Peaceful Parenting Tip

donotdisturbThis time of year can get a person stressed and frazzled. One mom said it was like being tied into a human pretzel (not a pretty picture)! If you can relate, the experiment we would encourage you to do is: create 20 minutes of Non-negotiable Me Time (NNMT) five times a week. Then go back to not having NNMT. Journal every night for the next two weeks (that’s not so long). I have determined that NNMT is the essential ingredient to have thriving relationships.

Stress is a relationship killer. Think about it! When you’re stressed, you are NASTY. You say mean things to your partner and your children (unfortunately close people get the most of it) and you feel like a witch. All of those great parenting tips you learned, fly right out the window, I know you have heard about taking care of yourself at nauseam but have you actually done it? Now is your chance. NNMT makes you a more calm, peaceful, loving parent.

Note: Make sure it is time that nourishes you. TV time, facebook time or other technological devices can actually drain your energy, not revitalize you.

NNMT ideas:

  • Take a long luxurious bath.
  • Write thank you notes.
  • Make some hot tea or cocoa, wrap yourself in a snuggly, warm blanket and sit outside on your
  • porch on a wintery night.
  • Crank up the music and dance like you do when no one is watching!
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Parent Question: Is your child well enough to go to school?

It is not always easy to decide if your child is sick enough to stay home or well enough to be in school. Children who come to school are expected to participate fully in school day activities.

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Here are some guidelines that might help in a parent’s decision-making:

1. Fever: A fever of 101.5 degrees or more signals an illness that is probably going to make a student uncomfortable and unable to function well in class. Your child should stay home until her/she is feeling better; your child should be fever-free for 24 hours without using Tylenol or Advil/ibuprofen.  If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.

2. Vomiting, Diarrhea or Severe Nausea: These are symptoms that require a student to remain at home until a normal diet is tolerated. If child is sent home due to illness children must stay home the following day of school.

3. Infectious Diseases: Diseases such as impetigo, pink eye with thick drainage and strep throat require a doctor’s examination and prescription for medication. Contacting the doctor and using the medicine as directed for the full recommended length of time are necessary. Once medication has been started and the child is feeling well, he/she may return to school. Student’s with chicken pox may return to school when all the scabs are completely dried and no new lesions are developing (usually 5 – 7 days).

5. Injuries: If a student has an injury that causes continuous discomfort, the student should not attend school until the condition is checked by a doctor or it improves. Injuries that interfere with class participation need a medical evaluation.