by Beverly Smith, Kindermusik mom
Can’t go to the spa? I’ve brought it to you! Can’t stop by the coffee shop? I’ve got that covered too! During this crazy, cooped up time, it’s hard for moms to get a free moment, let alone take time for self-care. When you’ve finally found a few minutes to spare, try these five ways for self-care with your kids in the house. Kindermusik is about parents and kids, so I thought I’d bring a little cheer to all those mamas that support their students!
1. Homemade body scrub
I’ve made this body scrub … it smells and feels amazing on your skin! It’s easy to make and you could even get your kids involved. If you don’t like the smell of mint, you can use any kind of essential oil or another extract in your spice cabinet (vanilla, almond, etc.). You can also add food coloring to make it more fun!
2. Homemade latte
You can sub the instant coffee for 6 ounces of brewed coffee, just put the cocoa mix in the brewed coffee. Don’t have cocoa at home? Use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a few shakes of cinnamon, some pumpkin spice, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, or whatever you have on hand! I add a little sugar to my coffee with the flavoring I use. Then follow the steps for the milk and viola, you have a latte! For my personal favorite, Cinnamon Dolce, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a couple of shakes of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of brown sugar, yummm!
3. For the tea lovers out there: chai latte
This recipe is simple! If you don’t have almond milk, just use whatever you have on hand! I’d add 1tsp of vanilla extract if you just use milk.
https://detoxinista.com/chai-latte/
4. Yoga: Relaxing for you and your kids
I am not a pro at yoga, in fact, I just started back up. I’ve used this channel on Youtube with my daughter, who is three, and we’ve loved it! It is relaxing, easy, and good for your muscles. There are lots of great yoga resources on Youtube or even GoNoodle. Find one you like and enjoy!
5. Reading time in your schedule for you and your kids
Need some quiet time in your house? Do you like to read? You can create a time for reading, in the classroom we call it D.E.A.R. (Drop everything and read) time. A link to instructions is below (you may have to copy and paste this one into your browser). If you don’t have a good collection of books go to your library’s website and check out their digital materials. Also, they likely have an app you can download and check out books to put on your devices at home. Before beginning, set some guidelines, such as, how long you’ll read, expected behavior, and where your kids are allowed to read (bedrooms, living room, etc.).
https://echalk-slate-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/private/schools/1632/site/fileLinks/9e7a996b-1815-4b01-a7de-fd61160c9d39?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJSZKIBPXGFLSZTYQ&Expires=1901116885&response-cache-control=private%2C%20max-age%3D31536000&response-content-disposition=%3Bfilename%3D%22Why%2520DEAR%25202.pdf%22&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&Signature=Nmze17KXOo2A3I%2FIFEmyHGph2es%3D
Everyone deals with change and responds to isolation differently. Don’t get caught up in the what-ifs of the future; each time you look forward (or back) it robs you of fully experiencing the moment you are in right now. Focus on the day, the hour, or even just the moment you’re experiencing. Virtual classes and activities will continue to be posted on Facebook to help keep us connected and provide some quality, interactive times of music during this pandemic. New families are welcomed, too, and Music Connections is waiving the Registration fee and offering unlimited classes for its youngest kiddos (birth thru 4). Scholarships are available if you have financial constraints. Make use of time (and the resources provided) because, as a favorite quote says: “Where words fail, music speaks!” Know, too, that our Music Connections Foundation / Kindermusik family is here for you. Together, we are better!