Morahs and self care

amother

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 8:04 pm

I work in a child care setting.
I work hard and feel very drained and depleted, both emotionally and physically.
I do enjoy working with kids a lot, but at this time the dynamics and set up (which I can't change), isn't working well for me.

The children have nap time but I don't find it relaxing because it's a small space. The children aren't always quiet during nap time. (There is no one to take me over, so going out isn't an option.)

I was thinking a lot about my job... I am thinking that it might be very helpful if there is a way I can do some kind of relaxing, self care while their in their cribs...
I'm trying to think of ideas...

Any ideas? (Besides for listening to music, I don't go for music).

Thanks in advance! Heart

zaq

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 8:16 pm

Meditation, aromatherapy, stretching exercises, self-massage even if it's just massaging your neck and face or massaging lotion into your hands and forearms, consuming a small treat, reading something you don't otherwise have time for...You really ought to try listening to music with a headset. Even if you're not a music junkie, there is probably some sort of music you find soothing or energizing.

amother

Pink

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 8:21 pm

Sounds so hard! Can you occasionally treat yourself to ordering food to your job and eat it during nap time? Does your job have a coffee machine? Maybe make yourself a yummy latte to savor and enjoy during nap time. Do you like podcasts? Perhaps you can try listening to one with headphones on.

amother

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 9:05 pm

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful a great ideas!
please keep them coming!! Heart

I find that I am not relaxed bec I'm exusted.
kids can be unpredictable during nap time.
Nap time I feel on guard and hypervigilant, I can't relax because I don't have the energy to be "on" anymore at that time.
I'm not sure if anyone gets what I mean.

I struggle with chronic fatigue so that is why I find it so hard.
I am manage well, then once the kids are in for naps, I desperately need a way to relax and calm down my body.

amother

DarkCyan

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 9:39 pm

amother OP wrote:

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful a great ideas!
please keep them coming!! Heart

As a mom to little kids and a former preschool teacher I totally get what you mean.

Really don’t have anything to suggest. It’s hard to relax in that situation. Personally I’d do crossword puzzles or sudoku- those kind of things and save myself a diet soda in the fridge for that time.
But I don’t know if that’s you’re kind of thing. That’s just how I relax.

amother

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 9:43 pm

amother DarkCyan wrote:

Thanks so much for the validation!

calvinhobbs

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 9:55 pm

amother Pink wrote:

At the risk of sounding bad and being misunderstood; I work in a school and I (personally) find it insensitive to eat goodies in front of the kids. I’ma strong proponent for teachers to sit and eat with the children family style and eat what the kids are being served or the closest substitute,

In the event the teacher will eat a goodie, it should never be before the kids meal when they’re hungry.

This is a sensitivity that I have and something that I know the principal speaks about to the teachers.

amother

Diamond

Wed, Jan 10 2024, 11:43 pm

I don't know if it's doable, but can you lie down somewhere. I find that with my own kids they lie down better if I'm lying down, plus then I get more of a break too.

amother

Thu, Jan 11 2024, 5:41 am

amother Diamond wrote:

I don't know if it's doable, but can you lie down somewhere. I find that with my own kids they lie down better if I'm lying down, plus then I get more of a break too.

I was thinking maybe to get a comfortable chair office chair...

Guys, those of you who work as a morah for babies or toddler, without the option of a break. What do you do when the children nap so you can refresh yourself?

realtalk

Thu, Jan 11 2024, 5:56 am

amother OP wrote:

I would try to get fresh air and direct sunlight either standing by an open window or door

ganmama

Wed, Jan 17 2024, 1:15 am

amother OP wrote:

Guys, those of you who work as a morah for babies or toddler, without the option of a break. What do you do when the children nap so you can refresh yourself?

One of the reasons I’m working to get “my” babies on a unified nap schedule is so that I can have a few minutes to just breathe.

But my biggest self care things during the day are making a coffe/ having a diet soda for when things get hectic- and sometimes a small piece of chocolate.

I love my job, but it’s hard! And there’s no break! The other thing is to make sure at the end of the day you take some time to decompress!!

amother

NeonPurple

Wed, Jan 17 2024, 4:48 am

If they are all in cribs and basically sleeping can you not step out for a few minutes? That's what I do. I use the bathroom, prep and eat a quick lunch, daven a bit, and visit social media. It really helps to walk out and clear your head a bit.
How long is their naptime? I have about 45 min.

amother

Stone

Wed, Jan 17 2024, 4:57 am

amother NeonPurple wrote:

Leave a bunch of babies alone in the room? Doesn't sound too safe.