5 Ways to Keep Cool When Your Kids Have Absolutely Zero Chill

If your kids are anything like mine, they can go from absolute love-bugs to complete monsters in .01 seconds and sometimes that can be hard to handle (don’t mind the gross understatement here). Endless screaming at each other? My boys got that on lock. So how do you choose to deal? I mean, they are your kids right? Here are some ways to keep cool – when your kids have absolutely zero chill.

1. If You Can’t Beat ‘em, Join ‘em.
   This one may seem silly or counterintuitive, when we are constantly being fed ways to keep our kids in-line and well-mannered, but if you haven’t tried this, you need to, like yesterday. Seriously, see that big mess your kids are making? Why not make it bigger, with them? You already have a mess to clean, you might as well have fun too. That song that’s been on repeat all day? Sing it out like it’s the last song you’ll ever sing! It’s actually really fun and is a great reminder of what it’s like to be a kid.
2. Throw a Dance Party
   If you really can’t handle another episode of Daniel Tiger or singing Baby Shark one more time, try throwing on some music you actually enjoy and busting a move with your kids in tow. My 1 year old can’t quite dance on his own yet (even though it’s really cute to watch him try), so I like to hold him (or wear him) while we dance around and sing to my favorite jams. Did I mention my 2 year old? Oh yea, now that kid can get down. It’s fun for the whole family with the added bonus of burning energy before naptime (or bedtime).
3. Go For A Drive
   Pick a destination and go- or don’t go anywhere specific, the point is get in the car. This will do two things. Firstly, it will allow you to focus on something other than the child that has to be touching you or is demanding your undivided attention. Secondly, hopefully it will calm your kids and maybe even help them fall asleep. If this doesn’t work- the first is still true. You can focus on the road, knowing your kids are safe in their car seats- even if they are shouting, “MOM” every 5 seconds.
4. Exercise
   Now I am not a fitness junkie by any means and don’t even work out regularly (even though my hubs and I always talk about going to the gym). So when I say exercise, I mean look up a mommy and me work out or simply teach your kids how to do push ups and jumping jacks. I taught my 2 year old to run in place and it’s pretty much the best thing ever for burning energy and for laughs all around. If you love the gym, find one that has childcare and actually go.  Your mind and body will thank you, I promise.
5. If All Else Fails, Hide
   OK, in all seriousness you can’t actually hide from your children for any length of time and call that good parenting, but you can hide long enough to sneak some chocolate without them seeing (hopefully). If your kids are old enough, hide and seek is great for this purpose too. Send them off to count or hide and snack away on your favorite non-shareable treat. My 2 year old will almost always catch me and want a bite too, so I’m wishing you better luck than I’ve had. But then again, chocolate is chocolate- even if you do end up sharing with your kids.