I wrote the following blog post when we were foster parents for teenage girls. I wrote it in relationship to organizing summer activities, but it can work for spring break, too! Here you go:
For those of you looking at the long expanse of summer, wondering how you're going to have any time to yourself, think "refill time." This is something I've planned into our summer plans with our foster children this year. Refill time is when everyone goes to their rooms and has some quiet time to themselves.
Depending on the age of the child, this could include reading, drawing, coloring, listening to music, journaling, playing a game, doing a puzzle, doing a word puzzle, playing quietly with toys - whatever refills your child.
If your child is small, you will likely need to start with very short times, five to ten minutes for example. You can increase it over time, depending on the age of your child.
Our girls are teenagers, and we try to take from one to two hours of refill time daily. It doesn't always work, but that's my goal.
Some of them have embraced it heartily. Others endure it and can't wait until it's over so they can be with people again!
With a small child, you may need to give ideas for refill time. You can set the timer, or if he/she can tell time, show when refill time is up.
The idea is to teach your child how to spend time alone, and that both you and your child need time to refill.
What do you do to refill yourself?
More refill ideas:
5-Minute Stress Relievers - Being Generous
5-Minute Stress Relievers - Relaxation
10 Ways to Double Your Time
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