Knowing when to take a break

Weeks of being at home can strain the best parent, can blur what is ok for impatience and what is not.

Warning signs you need a break:

• Irritable with normal play or distress;

• Impatient when being asked for help or necessities;

• Feeling numb towards children;

• Panicking about when you will get a minute;

• Feeling like you have no personal space or possessions.

• Go to room for a few minutes;

• Drinking water;

• Giving kids a snack and a special movie;

• Take kids outside for a walk and focus on nature.

More extreme signs that it is urgent:

• Wanting to runaway from situation;

• Not wanting to get out of bed;

• Wanting to hit the children;

• Exploding in rage.

• Call a professional;

• Get someone to come watch kids;

• Make a dr. appt for yourself. Emergency signs:

• Hitting child;

• Thoughts of self harm;

• Thoughts of harming child.

• Get immediate professional help;

• Be honest about what you have done;

• Access family supports.

Assessing the level you are at and the supports you need, are essential steps to individual and family mental and emotional health. Good modelling of the first stage of recognizing and implementing healthy breaks will help your child learn important ways to manage their own stress and emotions.