The warm ocean breeze against your sun-kissed skin, the cool sand in between your toes, the sound of steady waves coming and going, lulling your mind to that perfect…. shrieking?!
You’re at the beach with your kids and suddenly life is 10% spring break and 90% camp counselor. You used to worry about what book to bring, which bikini to wear, what songs to put on your playlist. Now, there are responsibilities. Sharing life’s experiences with your children is one of the most fulfilling feelings you can have as a mother. You sincerely want them at the beach with you. But you also want to lie down and not move for at least a full minute.
The plus side is that it’s all about how you choose to handle it. Here are my 4 essential rules for a successful, stress-free beach day with your kids.
1. COME PREPARED
This is the most important lesson I’ve learned since becoming a mother. Preparation is everything. Prepare well and sitting down on a beach chair with your eyes closed is a real possibility. Before you leave for the beach, make sure you are bringing everything and anything that may be useful. If you’re not sure, bring it anyway. And don’t forget to bring help – the more eyes and playing companions for your kids, the more relaxation time for you.2. BE ACTIVE
Finding activities to do together is a fun way of generating lasting memories and also staying fit. Bring a beach ball and toss it around. Or maybe play Frisbee. The types of activities you do will vary depending on their age, but all kids will appreciate your physical engagement with them. Hopefully, they will get tired and have to nap, which is optimal lounging time for you.3. BE CREATIVE
Since Ben was born, I have become so much more creative. It’s just something that happens when you’re willing to do anything to hear that addictive little laughter and at the same time still keep your sanity. Even when you think you’ve exhausted all your resources, there is always one more thing you can try. Take this motto to the beach. Build sand castles. Conjure up fantasy worlds. Tell stories. Make them laugh. Be silly. Be a kid yourself.4. RELAXATION IS A STATE OF BEING
Okay, if you’re still saying: been there, done that and once you have kids, forget about a relaxing time on the beach. Well, experience has taught me that if you come to the beach scrambling and stressing yourself out about keeping everything in order, then you can say goodbye to relaxing. Relax now.
3. BE CREATIVE
Since Ben was born, I have become so much more creative. It’s just something that happens when you’re willing to do anything to hear that addictive little laughter and at the same time still keep your sanity. Even when you think you’ve exhausted all your resources, there is always one more thing you can try. Take this motto to the beach. Build sand castles. Conjure up fantasy worlds. Tell stories. Make them laugh. Be silly. Be a kid yourself.4. RELAXATION IS A STATE OF BEING
Okay, if you’re still saying: been there, done that and once you have kids, forget about a relaxing time on the beach. Well, experience has taught me that if you come to the beach scrambling and stressing yourself out about keeping everything in order, then you can say goodbye to relaxing. Relax now.
“Our greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James
Reach into that picnic basket you packed while you were preparing, pull out your favorite Gooseneck wine, pour yourself a cup, sit back, sip, remember and savor this moment.
