12 days off with the kids, tomorrow until 1/2. As previously noted Josh is working (and mostly on call at night too) for 9 of them. I am gearing myself up for quite a ride! I now have a few more play dates and outings scheduled and am feeling kind of . . . like I’m looking forward to the challenge a little bit?
MY WINTER BREAK 2019-20 MANIFESTO:
- I will work out every day. (Can be low key like BB pilates or yoga on some days, but something)
- I will meditate (for at least 5 min) every day.
- I will read for at least 15 minutes every day. Note: currently I am reading My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh even though every review I have read is negative. Guess what? I actually really like it (am about 70% through). Everyone else loves dystopian books but I LOVE a good novel with a (very) mentally ill first-person narrator. What can I say? It’s my Bell Jar for 2019.
- I will post here every day to share our adventures (or lack thereof).
- I will enforce quiet time during G’s nap every day that I can (might be a day or two where we are out doing things but generally I am going to protect 1p – 3p fiercely).
- I will review the day’s plan each day with the big kids so they know what to expect.
- I will allow screen time every day at 4:30 pm or so for one hour while I make dinner and/or laundry and/or other household tasks.
- I will check my work email (to triage for anything catastrophic) on 12/27, 12/30, and then when I am back at work 1/2. Otherwise, will ignore.
- I will check my regular email once daily.
- I will try very very hard not to yell, and to enjoy the good moments.
WILL REPORT BACK. I guess this is my version of a holiday fun list. I promise I’m more fun in real life.
9 Comments
Love this. I need to do something similar. People say kids act up right before the holidays because of the excitement, change in routine, etc and boy, my kids are certainly doing so. No matter how I try to contain my frustration I find myself yelling more this time of year than any other. It’s hard to carpe diem when you just wish the day was over. Minor venting as a roundabout way to say I love the manifesto & will incorporate in my holiday break.
I think it’s realistic. Wishing you lots of holiday fun with your crew! 🙂
This is great! Please do report back!
Love it! I hope you enjoy the break, the weather, and the family!
[…] was reading my blog feed today and saw this post by Sarah Hart-Unger about her resolution to give herself a calm, happy winter break with her kids, […]
I am looking forward to the daily posting! If you can stay off work email from 12/20 to 12/27 that is impressive (which is to say, if it doesn’t happen, don’t feel bad!)
LOL, I appreciate the realism here! Seriously, I think you’re taking a great approach. And I, too, love mentally ill narrators =p
This is such a great idea to write a Manifesto! It should really help going through this time keeping things in perspective and securing what is essential for your sanity. Thanks for the tip! Good luck and I look forward to reading your daily reports!
I think setting guidelines, having a few non-negotionables and managing expectations is a great way to approach this time. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes. While my girls are older (7&9) I’m taking a similar approach because I think I’ve finally unlocked the successful rhythm for our weekends. Best of luck!