A Pep Talk for Tough Times: A Message from Smart Sitting
It’s been a lot lately. A lot of families are struggling financially with inflation and the rising cost of living. With recent events and the challenges of the year behind us, many are reflecting on what's next. At the same time, the upcoming holidays may bring together families with diverse perspectives, which may feel challenging.
It's no wonder many parents feel exhausted. It's no wonder if you feel exhausted.
As a nanny agency, we talk to parents every day and hear their worries and concerns for their children's well-being. It's not easy to support your children when you're burdened by everything else around you.
So we'd like to offer this pep talk to you: a few concrete things you can do to make this time easier, along with some encouragement along the way. We'll take it one step at a time, together.
Talking to your kids about tough times
We get it. Things have been tough lately on a lot of levels. For some, it’s election results or global conflicts, for others, it’s a volatile job market or high cost of living. Your kids, regardless of how much they know or understand, can sense when something is going on.
Navigating conversations about current events with your children on top of that can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions - your own and others’ - are running high.
Here are some steps to help guide those discussions:
Open the dialogue: Your children may have overheard news or sensed tension. Gently ask if they have questions or concerns. This creates a safe space for them to express themselves. Answer their questions at an age-appropriate level, but don't pretend nothing is going on. Kids know, and they need your help understanding what they've heard.
Provide reassurance: Let them know it's normal to feel confused or worried, but assure them they will be okay, even if you're grappling with uncertainties yourself. They need to see that an adult is protecting them, no matter what they're worried about.
Teach resilience: Explain that sometimes things don't turn out as we hope. Share age-appropriate examples of how you've dealt with disappointment and emphasize the importance of adapting and moving forward. Show them through your reactions that you're finding ways to deal with this moment.
Take responsibility for your reaction: It's okay for your children to see you feeling sad or upset; it teaches them these emotions are natural. However, a child shouldn't have to take care of a parent's distress. We know it's hard to seem strong when you may feel anything but. Try to turn to other adults, friends, or partners to vent. That might make it easier to face your children with a more balanced perspective.
The advice above can help with any hardship your family faces, protecting and strengthening your child. Your kids will see how you navigate challenges, and they'll become stronger because of it
Holidays and families and opinions, oh my
“Adjust your plans according to your energy and needs.”
The holiday season is coming up, and many families are struggling to come together when their opinions on current events differ. Is it possible to have a cheerful holiday season? We think yes, if you cut yourself some slack.
You can celebrate—or not
For some, leaning into holiday cheer—decorations, lights, and good food—is the right cure. If that's you, go all in. It's okay to feel joy or do what makes your family happy, even while carrying heavy thoughts.
On the other hand, if celebrating feels like too much, don't do it—or scale back and keep it low-key. Instead of stressing about buying many presents, focus on gifts that mean more quality time with your kids, or opt out of gifting to those outside your immediate family. Adjust your plans according to your energy and needs.
Other tips for extra peace
Limit your exposure to the constant news cycle.
Take social media breaks during the holidays.
Do something fun and new—listen to a science podcast, learn about history, start a hobby with your kids, watch unusual movies—anything to shake things up and spark fun.
You choose who you spend the holidays with
We know this is hard and may not feel possible for some, but you are allowed to choose who you spend the holidays with. If visiting certain family members feels draining or leads to conflict, it's okay to opt out.
You are not a bad son, daughter, parent, or relative for choosing your family's peace over others' expectations. If you need to hear this, you have our support: it's okay to stay home for the holidays, it's okay not to put yourself in negative situations, it's okay to opt out.
We know it may feel difficult in the moment. Traditions are so ingrained that we forget they're optional. Your relatives might forget that too and have strong feelings about it. But the holidays are for peace, and you're allowed to make choices that bring peace to you and your kids.
By putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you're giving your whole family a better chance at a happy holiday.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn't just good for you—it's one of the best ways to support your children. By navigating tough times with intention and compassion, you're teaching them valuable lessons in resilience and self-care. By putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you're giving your whole family a better chance at a happy holiday.
Wishing you strength, peace, joy, power, and whatever else you need this holiday season.
Your Team at Smart Sitting
Ps. If you need us for more than a pep talk, we are happy to assist you with any childcare needs you may have, during the holidays and beyond. Click the button below to get started.