When Things Don't Go Your Way

How do you feel when things don't go your way or the way you had planned? Do you get angry or feel sad and frustrated? You are human so you probably feel a bit of all these emotions when things don't go as planned. It's usually a good idea when you are planning an outdoor get together to have a backup plan in case of rain. Suppose a few extra guests show up at your cocktail party, you always have extra appetizers on hand right? You even hide an extra bag of candy for emergency last minute Halloween trick-or-treaters.

Teaching our children to have back up plans too is a great way to relieve stress. Have them make an extra copy of that all important homework assignment. Have them lay out their clothes the night before a big day. Purchase a day planner for your student (I bought a nice one for my daughter, she loves it and uses it religiously) and encourage them to plan the upcoming week, the assignment that are due, any appointments they might have, sports events, even fun events should be included. If you have high school students, giving them a professional looking planner will encourage them to take it with them, use it and keep track of it. If your child has a day planner they can cancel and reschedule appointments and homework assignments at a moments notice. You know your child best and will be able to help them discover all kinds of ways to have a back up plan for when things don't go your way!