We’re on the cusp of a new season. In September, everything changes: daily rhythms, stress levels, traffic patterns. Here in the Northeast, we thrive on changing seasons, transitioning from lazy days on the beach to crisp fall weather and the autumnal joys that go with it.
We’re at that point when everyone heads “back” – to school, to consistent work weeks, to homecoming games and fall sports. For those of us with school-aged kids, we also start worrying more. How will our family get back to a steady schedule? Will the kids do well in school? How do we remain calm when life becomes increasingly hectic?
Here are a few ways to find tranquility:
Take a drive. I know this sounds far-fetched in terms of time, but it can help to reset everyone’s mood. We are blessed by our geography. Vermont, Cape Ann, Concord. Long and short drives abound. Throw everyone in the car, play music, put on a podcast, bring trivia cards. It’s family time away from the house.
Chill out. You know the frustration that rises when you see your kid on a phone? Don’t get mad at your child. I always remind myself that adults created these addictive technologies and fed them to teens. So take a breath, have everyone put down their phones, and start talking to each other.
Set aside couch time. It’s OK to be lazy as a family. We have a routine of watching one series at a time: one episode each night after homework and before bed. We’ve watched the complete run of shows like Cheers and Ted Lasso. There’s not much talking but we’re all in the same room and decompressing. Once the episode ends, each of us heads upstairs to brush teeth or read a book.
The upside? For the first time all day, we’re all on the same page.
Erin Brown, Orchard Street
