Distraction works wonders with most young children and has been a life savor for me with Abbey!  Sometimes we are both getting frustrated and BOTH of us need a distraction!  The things that help to distract Abbey vary all of the time.  Food works the best, but isn’t the best for her, obviously, so we try not to use that one unless we have to.  Fav movies and toys works sometimes as well, but I love the idea of doing something together, something that will distract you both, maybe even relax you both.  Abbey and I love going to the park, but don’t go very often, usually only when school is out. She loves music, so sometimes I can just turn on some music and dance with her.  A fav distraction for us both, when we’re getting grumpy, is dad coming home from work, saving the day!

This post I read, below, reminded me that there are some great things we can do together when Abbey’s having a bad day, or even when I’m having a bad day and am not feeling as patient as I usually am.  Abbey and I like to cook and bake together, we like to water the plants and go look at flowers together, and often times not only are these things great at distracting, they are also great at teaching many things, not just daily life skills, but things like referencing and learning to complete a task together, team work.  So, figure out what things you guys like to do together and keep a mental list of them, use them when you or your child are feeling overwhelmed!  Sometimes just having fun together can bring that happy feeling back and restore the peace you both need! 

Cure the blues, or if meltdowns are happening over and over and you’re both about to lose it, by changing the scenery, changing the mood….go somewhere, work together, or even better, have fun together!  Have so much fun that there’s no room left to be grumpy!

Need some ideas?  Below is a great list by Mama Be Good: