“Maycember” is a term that online content creators the Holderness family coined to describe the sheer chaos of the month of May, much like the month of December. Regardless of the age of your kids, both May and December are packed with social and school-related responsibilities, and it can become overwhelming.
Between the non-negotiables, such as standardized testing and preparing for finals, and the carrots dangled to help them succeed, such as extra credit projects and appearances, teens are running on empty as the school year comes to an end. There are end-of-year school parties, sports banquets, the dreaded school project that always seems to be assigned the last two weeks of the year, recitals, productions, and graduations…it is a LOT to juggle and manage. Oh, and hey…let’s toss Mother’s Day in there for good measure! Sometimes it feels like Mayhem.
While it’s certainly a nice gift to earn extra credit points by attending a school event, time off to rest on the weekend is another gift most exhausted teens can use as they crawl toward the finish line. And as the teen years are generally characterized by increased independence and spending more time with friends than family, the expectations for parent involvement remain high this time of year.
Prioritizing and Planning are Key
Take a step back and assess your commitments. Prioritize tasks and create a realistic schedule that allocates time for both essential activities and self-care. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to make them less daunting.
Look at your to-do list. What can you mark off quickly? Then, determine what’s left and what pieces are a “must” or “if.” Let this guide how you move forward.
Having a paper (or whiteboard) view of the key events for the month helps you see the “big picture.” Just using your Google or iCal calendar is not enough. Those calendar views are often too cluttered and overwhelming to look at.
For every large event that requires prep time, block off time on your calendar leading up to the event so you are not cramming in tasks at the last minute. For example, if you need to make refreshments for a celebration, block time on your calendar NOW on the days leading up to it for preparation. This way, when other requests pop up, you will be reminded of the time you need and can say “no” as needed.
Delegate, Collaborate, Set Boundaries and Say “No”
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to others. Involve your partner, family members, or friends in the planning and execution of events. Collaboration can lighten your load and foster a sense of teamwork.
Are there tasks you can batch together? Or, if something feels like a necessity, could you double your effort on one thing and ask a friend to double their effort on something you both have on your to-do list? Teacher gifts, field day, errands, appointments, shower presents, etc.
It’s OK to decline additional commitments if you already feel stretched thin. Set clear boundaries and politely decline invitations that would further overwhelm you. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s essential for your well-being.
You are allowed to say “no.” Look at your schedule this week and see if there is something you can turn down. Saying “no” once gives you the power to find your voice!
Make Gift Giving Easy
Take a quick minute to take inventory of any and all end-of-year gifts you want to purchase (teachers, coaches, etc). Then, go out once and get them in one shopping trip.
Making your gifts this year? You don’t need to scour Pinterest or spend hours making something elaborate. A heartfelt, handwritten note from your child, paired with a simple gift card (think coffee shop, Target, or even Amazon), is more than enough—and deeply appreciated.
Bonus points if the gift card is for a spot near the school so teachers can grab their morning coffee before school or their favorite treat on the way home!
Keep Meals Simple
Keep your recipes simple. Try one dish meals in the crockpot or air fryer, meals with fewer ingredients (less shopping!), and one-pan dishes (hello, easy cleanup!). Ask for help with meal prep from your partner. And don’t apologize for ordering take-out – make it an adventure (tonight, we’re going to Italy!).
For breakfast, stock up on grab-and-go items like yogurt tubes, granola bars, or fruit. And you have full permission to pack nothing but Uncrustables or Lunchables for school lunches this month. The kids will love it, and you’ll save some time and (hopefully) your sanity!
Nurture Your Body & Mind
Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to calm your mind and reduce stress. Consider exploring relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
Set timers on your phone or work calendar to get up from your desk and stretch on a wall or door frame. Refill your cup and walk around the office, stand near a window and observe the outdoors, or get a breathing app to help you practice some grounding techniques.
Prioritize healthy eating habits, adequate sleep and regular exercise. Nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods that fuel your energy levels. Engage in physical activities you enjoy, as exercise is a natural stress reliever.
Set a goal to go for a family walk after dinner a couple of nights next week or get out in the backyard and throw the ball together.
Protect the first few days after Maycember
Whenever your Maycember ends, take a look at your calendar the week after all events are over. Plan in and schedule time to recover. If you don’t, you can end up rolling into another long series of planned events and activities with no downtime.
Having a plan in place and using these tips will help you not just survive, but thrive this month.
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Photo Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock.com