Tena Koutou, as our little people venture back to school and we become settled back into our mahi, how do we keep that sense of peace around,so everything doesn't become all hectic and stressed.

I didn't do so well in my first week of this, as my neighbours could attest to, as I was filled with so much anxiety at the mere thought of early morning starts, that by the time the first week began, it all seemed a little higgledy, piggledy, and maybe that was down to my anticipating the worst. (Note to self for the beginning of next year, stay in present moment). School notices, requiring my financial input, already started to appear in the space on my desk in which my boys know to place anything if they want to ensure that I read it and it doesn't go astray somewhere. Waking up at 6.15 in the morning, feeling as though it is still the middle of the night, eyes barely awake, to get imaginative with the school lunches, while keeping to our budget and being mindful of the nutritional value was a stark contrast from the late morning rising through the holidays. So yea, the back to school thing can all be a bit much and in need of some adjustment time for all, and there certainly wasn't a lot of peace about, during that first week. But we made it, we have managed to roll through it, maybe tumble through on some days, but with a lot more organisation and early nights for everyone, we have settled back into something that is workable for our early morning starts. So, back to how we might keep a little of the peace around, and the slow pace of the holidays, while this thing called BUSY begins to beckon us all again for another year.

I guess taking heed of my last column will help with this, which was all about stopping to pick daisies, or smell roses, whatever it is you do, it's all about stopping to slow down. Learning how to breath properly is essential too. When I say breathing, I mean really breathing from the bottom of your puku and not just in your chest. You will know when you are really breathing because your shoulders shouldn't move, and this allows you to really inhale and exhale. This will help you to just take a minute for yourself at those times when you are feeling overwhelmed.

You have probably all heard this one many times before too, about not sweating the small stuff. This is another one of those gems that we forget when we find ourselves all flustered and stressed. When I find myself getting in a huff about something and becoming wound up, I also (when I remember) ask myself, would this matter in a year's time. If it would then it is obviously an issue that needs addressing but if the answer is no, let it go.

Again, looking after us means we are in much better shape to care for and nurture our little people and that is the KEY. If we are all out of sorts in ourselves, where we are not feeling grounded or together then how on earth do we expect ourselves to be able to care for these little people, who depend on us for most of their needs. My shout out to parents is listen to your signs, know when you need some support and reach out.

If you want to make some positive changes in your whanau, and as a parent, but you don't know where to start, you can contact us here at Parentline Manawatu on 355 1655 or call into the Community House, King Street. We would love to support you.