In the heat of the summer when the weather is irritating enough, it’s easy to get all hot under the collar when the kids are adding to the stress. So just keep your cool. Here are a few things that can help:

1. Take a mini vacation in the heat of the moment. Turn on the TV  let them watch it while you take a 30 minute reprieve put -  on the radio,  sit in a bath, sit down  away from them and pour yourself your favorite cool refreshing beverage. For moms with young ones even playing hide and seek can give you a break away for a FEW MINUTES!

2. It's summer and you still have a lot to do but even you deserve a break. When you can, stay in bed an extra 30 minutes all by yourself.

3. Plan a family activity first thing.  When the kids get their needs fulfilled, you’ll have more of a chance to get your stuff done.

4. A family that can do things together including help with chores and house needs will be a stronger close knit family than if you are trying to do it all.  Many hands make for light work and more time to chill!

5. Allocate a day a week (it does not have to be a whole day) when everyone else takes a back seat to what you need to do for yourself.  This really works.  Your kids learn that you count-  what matters to you actually matters. No one but you can do this! When you do this,  it feels like a slice of heaven – very empowering!

6. Take a trip to the store buy what 's needed for your kids to make their own ice cream sundae. Nothing like ice cream to keep it cool, or, have them make their own ice pops… it’ll also keep ‘em busy for an extra few minutes.

7. On really hot days, keep ‘em inside, when they are hot and uncomfortable they tend to want to make you the same, let them play a board game or set up an obstacle course inside the house.

8. Buy a few little gadgets at the dollar store and put them in a bucket let the kids pick their own activity that can keep them busy while you get just a few more minutes to be free…!

I look forward to speaking with you Sept. 23rd on Better Food Choices Radio.  Until then…. Be Cool!

Valerie Berkowitz, R.D.
Co-author: The Stubborn Fat Fix
Mother of Four young ones!