Winter Witching Hour

My mom called it the “witching hour” when we were little. You know, parents, that hour or so before dinner when you are waiting for your spouse to come home to be the perfect distraction to a crazy afternoon. They have had snack, done homework and the energy level is still high. It can be hard a very hard time of day to parent well especially with the cold weather and early sunset. What do you do with your kids at this time of day? Scream? Hide? Phone a friend? As a mom to five children 9 years old and under including a set of twins, this time of day has gotten the better of me more than I would like to say. But, here are 7 ways that I have learned to cope with the “Winter Witching Hour” in our home. 

1. Set a 20 minute timer. Yes, call to Alexa, Google, Siri or your good old fashion microwave timer and set it for 20 minutes. When I want to pull my hair out because I have heard “mama” for the millionth time or the twins are fighting over whether to share their piggy bank money or the toddler is whiny and doesn’t seem to be satisfied with anything, life can seem really overwhelming and if time is moving at a snail speed. Set your timer for 20 minutes and see how without doing much of anything, things will be different in 20 minutes. You circumstances may not have changed, but your attitude just might as you realize nothing stays the same forever, not even for twenty minutes. 
2. Change your scenery. Even if it is cold as it has been during this winter, put on your coats, hats, gloves (there goes your 20 minutes right there! ha!) and go outside. Even one walk around the block, to collect the mail, to take out the trash, or to walk up and down the sidewalk 5x will make the transition from day to evening more enjoyable. 
3. Go play somewhere else! If it is too cold or rainy, go somewhere that your children can safely play contained. Think: Chick-fil-a play space, indoor mall play areas,  YMCA basketball courts, Children’s museum, science museum. This will help get their energy out and allow you to bond with them over a fun activity as opposed to being frustrated with them. 
4. Call a friend! Sometime the change of people can be just as effective as a change of scenery. Call a friend and see if you can swap with him/her. Have her take one or two of your kids and you keep one of two of hers. Or, just have them come over to play. The friends can bring a new energy to your home and allow for creative ideas and games to fill the “witching hour” making it enjoyable for both families. 
5. Family chore time! I have found it effective to “rally the troops” when tensions are mounting and attitudes are flaring. Working together one a project can help re-direct those afternoon crazies and show how much can be done if working as a team. Clean out your pantry, organize a closet, sort through playroom toys, bake together, prepare dinner together can all be good “group efforts” as we like to call them. It may be nice to give your kids a motivator if the group effort is done well like watching a show, dessert after dinner, special art project they’ve been wanting to tackle, making home made play doh, or playing a special game. 
6. Online workout videos are fun and so very helpful on these long, dark afternoons. YouTube has plenty of kid friendly workout videos many of which of themed to their favorite movies and songs. Cosmic Kids Yoga is a great choice that appeals to the wide variety of ages even in my household. She acts out popular movies with yoga moves so it allows each child to take turn picking which theme they prefer like Star Wars or Moana or even holiday themed like Halloween. 
7. Dance Party! This is my personal favorite. Stop what you are doing, crank up the music and dance with your kids! Let them be free to dance and you show them how its done. A few minutes of fast-paced dancing can really change the mood of a home. If you have a smart device like Alexa, having her play freeze dance is especially fun! When the dance party is over, the children have expended energy, you have participated in a fun activity with them, and they can see a fun way to use music as a stress reliever.

As a mom of many littles, I know how hard the winter months are for me. The afternoon and evenings can seem long and confiding with the dark evenings and cold weather. I hope these tips can help you enjoy your children in the late afternoons and turn the “Witching Hour” into a wonderful hour with fun, connectivity, and new memories.