Parents of preschoolers- what one thing a day do you do to keep sane?

[Lelophants]

I'd like some new ideas and for us to help each other out.

I've wondered if I should start putting make up on again. Nothing crazy, just a light foundation and brush my hair. It might make me feel like each day is something to prepare for. Does anyone else do this? I'm not sure feeling like a mess helps me.

I also have my coffee and make the bed. 👍Everything else is fair game!

What things do you do?

Following 👀

@alltalknobaby

Following 👀

:D

Eat chocolate after DD is in bed

@VoyageInTheDark

Eat chocolate after DD is in bed

I am also having many snacks! Any good ones?

I've started wearing earrings.. don't know why but makes me feel more 'dressed' and ready for the day.

Also yes to the eating chocolate when DC is in bed

Trying to get all my housework etc done while she is awake (2.5 so she likes to “help”) so I can sit and watch Gilmore Girls while she is asleep 🤣

Wine.

Mine are a little older now but to keep sane I needed to get us out of the house for a short walk each day. Thinking about it I think the getting us dressed and 'ready' was a big part of it. Sometimes it was a ten minute walk along the street and back but I always felt more refreshed afterwards. The earlier the better.
That's what kept me sane.

Agree with making sure we get out every day. Currently isolating but the weather is nice today so will have to get out in the garden for a bit!

Everybody dressed before going downstairs for breakfast. It makes going out or doing other activities much easier and quicker

Also I get them both to nap at the same time at some point in the day (they are 2.5yo and 6mo). It’s not always easy but it makes a big difference to me so worth the effort

My twins are older now but for me:

Putting a bit of make up on

Getting outside. Invest in a decent coat, cup holder on the buggy, get a decent coffee and walking in the rain to force a nap doesn't feel so bad....

Wearing nice clothes, not dressed up but comfy, practical and wouldn't be embarrassed to answer the door in. usually gum stuff for me but not DHs super comfy tracksuit bottoms or PJs.

We were housebound with chickenpox for three weeks one winter so a little like self isolation. BATHS. So much entertainment in a bath, just keep topping up the warm water.

If you've been out restock the nappy bag as soon as you get back in. If you want to go out early the next day you're good to go.

Exercise. It really helps lift my mood and starting to see real changes in my body. All hail Joe Wicks!

Meet up with a friend who has similar aged child/ren (allowed within current lockdown) so DS gets some child company and I have an adult to moan to!!

We try to go out to a different place each day, even if it’s just to do the food shop. DS (age 3) loves car journeys and loves shopping (pushing trolly etc).

We’ve been driving (or cycling - he goes in a trailer) to different parks that he doesn’t normally go to.

If I’m really tired/ fedup I just stick the telly on and refuse to feel guilty!!

I involve DS in all household chores which seems to minimise chances of him sitting there whining.

I’m not one for staying indoors or doing specific activities (like crafts) with DS, I’d rather stick pins in my eyes!! I love going out an exploring/ adventuring with him... luckily he loves that too and we also have a car which helps.

Mine is a bit pathetic writing it down, but I've become really regimented in my cups of tea. It's like a sad treat I look forward to. Even better when I can drink it hot (not often!)

One after breakfast, one at 10.30am when DS has snack then one (Earl Grey!) at 2.30pm when DS has a biscuit. Mint tea in the evening once DS asleep.
I had to train DH to make me the right tea at the right time

DS is 2.5 and dropped his naps just after he turned 2. The days feel long. We try to get out for a walk - either walk or pushchair every day or 5 mins in garden if awful weather.

He loves being in the car but then doesn't like to get out when we arrive somewhere.

He also watches quite a lot of CBeebies some days, just so I can switch off for a bit or get housework jobs done. I feel guilty. But needs must. I tell myself a lot is educational e.g. Numberblocks.

I also make sure I shower every day. I wear warm comfy clothes but not slobby enough to not go out in.

I bake occasionally and we read books and play trains. I don't really like craft but am planning to do some Xmas cards with him tomorrow for family.

@lelophants I'm partial to a bag of Twirl bites. DH is doing a big shop tonight so I need to put my snack order in

Also I've started listening to radio 2 during the day for some 'adult company'