Sometimes, parenthood is all about survival. Come on, you know it's true. Especially between the hours of 4 and 8pm – the dreaded so-called ‘Witching Hour’.
If you’ve been with the kids all day, chances are, your nerves could be shot, and you're close to breaking point (some of you lucky ones may not be); and, if you’ve been out at work all day, it’s sometimes the Welcome Home committee that nightmares are made of.
It can be the toughest time of day for parents of young children and babies; it’s that no man’s land – somewhere between afternoon nap territory and bedtime – when you’re almost on the homestretch but not quite.
We say, if you're having one of those days, hang on in there and try a few of these top tips:
1. Throw some shapes
Put on some music and dance. Let the children join in, if you’re not hogging the floor too much. Alternatively, they can just stand and watch in bemusement.
2. Forget the chores
Now is not the time to tackle the weekly shop, or the pile of washing that's so mammoth it’s almost a fire hazard. You might think life would be better if your skirting boards were sparkling clean, but your toddler won’t agree.
3. Leave the four walls
Go outside, get some fresh air and let the little tyrants run wild (within the confines of your garden). The screaming won’t seem as deafening outdoors.
4. Feed them silence
Give them food – there's only so much noise they can make when their mouths are full, right? Avoid any sugary snacks though; unless you want to deal with the crash and burn.
5. Turn on the taps
Transfer the fussing to the bath where they'll be cleaner and calmer. Hopefully.
6. Keep your cool
Easier said than done when your child is running rings around you, and the only thing you want to do is reach for that bottle of wine. The more stressed you get, the more stressed your child is likely to feel, so take a deep breath and keep calm.
7. When all else fails…
Call for back up and reach for that bottle of wine. You deserve it.
