Isaiah’s getting music lessons from Juanita
A few months ago, my friend Megan introduced me to the Barefoot Surf Boutique, an etsy shop that sells beautiful upcycled bags. Seriously, I want them all. (The minimalist in me says just one will do).
Then I started chatting with the shop’s owner, Juanita, and found that she and I have a lot in common. Fast forward a few months and we’re staying at their beautiful house on the Oregon coast for a week. (Staying with someone we barely know for a week is part of our increase of adventure.:))
Concerned at first that our kiddos would be overwhelming for them, we were quickly put at ease when they told us that they’ve had large families staying at their house all summer. For loooong stretches at a time.
Which immediately made me wonder how they did it. Their 3 kids are so sweet and the girls even gave up their room for us to stay in. So I asked, how do they deal with company with loud little kids for so long?
They know their limits.
When they get overwhelmed, they retreat for a bit. They tidy up at night to avoid anxiety-causing clutter. There are tons of creative outlets – an art studio with a pottery wheel, yarn and knitting needles in convenient locations and lots of instruments to play.
Their home is conducive to nurturing and they’ve been taught to recognize when they’re about to reach their limit. Knowing this allows them to step back for a bit before a house full of strangers becomes too overwhelming. It’s brilliant.
Which of course makes me think of how this can be applied everywhere else.
When you know your limits, it’s easier to step back from a situation that you know will upset or overwhelm you. It helps you say no to an obligation that you don’t have the time (or desire) to do. It helps you take better care of you and everyone else.
Do you know what your limits are?
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About Nina Nelson
It is good to know there are parents who allow their children to retreat when they get close to reaching their limit. I remember growing up, I had friends whose parents expected them to always be in the center of everything concerning other kids. Regardless of if the children were getting anxious or overwhelmed. It often resulted in tantrums, meltdowns, or actual fights. Not pretty.