#30Seconds Live: Challenges for Moms of Tweens & Teens With Parent Coach Sheryl Gould! by 30Seconds Mom

Have tweens or teens at home for summer break? This week we were thrilled to welcome our #30Seconds contributor, Sheryl Gould, to our Twitter chat and as our featured guest on #30Seconds Live. Sheryl, the founder of Moms of Tweens & Teens, shared tips on everything from summer challenges to being overwhelmed, to fun and self-care for yourself and your kids.

Q: What do you find are some of the challenges that moms have with their kids home in the summer?

The messes they leave around the house can drive us nuts. Getting them to help out around the house and to clean up their stuff. Screen time is a challenge. Balancing work and making time for ourselves. Distractions can be overwhelming with everyone around.With everyone around “me” time can be the first thing to go.

Check out Sheryl’s website for #moms of #tweens & #teens https://t.co/cDSn9nGAFL #30Seconds

— 30Seconds (@30seconds) July 20, 2017

A1: Mine are constantly bickering. Headstrong 4 yr old girl and and aloof 11 year old boy. #30Seconds

— Ashley Turner (@savings417) July 20, 2017

Q: What do you do when you're overwhelmed with the kids home?

• Require kids (and husband) to pick up their own messes. Get them involved in helping out. Use the “get your chores done first” rule – cleanup/do chores before they go to a friend’s house or play video game.
• Limit screen time. Put phone in a drawer for few hours – this includes us! Get out and do something fun together.
• Have a sense of humor. Be playful. Play music while you all clean.
• Let the small stuff go. Focus on positive.
• The most important thing we can do is make time to fill our own bucket – self-care.

Trying to get the kids to do their summer reading for school before screens. Ugh! #30seconds

— Amy Carney (@AmyLCarney) July 20, 2017

I agree Amy! I do the same thing with mine and agree we will focus on being together! #30Seconds

— momsoftweensandteens (@sheryl_gould) July 20, 2017

Q: What do you do to take care of yourself and fill your bucket?

It helps to ask what are my essentials – the things that help you to be your best self. Mornings, I meditate, journal, pray or read something inspirational. It makes huge difference in my day. Exercise is key. My best days are when I take exercise. Get your body moving. My family likes me better when I take care of myself, too. Go to your happy place. Mine is the beach or my garden. What’s your happy place? Give yourself permission to rest. Read a book. Do nothing. Take a nap. Breathe.

Me too! It makes such a difference to start the day with #meditation #30Seconds

— Nicole DeAvilla (@NicoleDeAvilla) July 20, 2017

Q: What summertime activities do you enjoy with your family?

Family time is more challenging for me. I only have one at home age 17. She doesn’t want to do as much with us. Typical teen.It helps to have her come up with ideas and activities. She likes a mini-day trip where no one can see her just with mom and dad. LOL! Let your tween or teen bring a friend. We enjoy exercising together, lazy days at beach, city adventure. We go for ice cream, family movie night, day trip. Theater show. S'mores. Stargaze. Kayak, paddle board, badminton, take a golf lesson. I’d love to hear what all of your kids enjoy doing with you!

A4 swimming, playing outside, going for walks #30seconds

— Lauren (@DisneyWife28) July 20, 2017

A peaceful place for me is anywhere with water. However, I actually feel rejuvenated when I meet new people, not when I am alone. #30Seconds

— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) July 20, 2017

A4) the beach! Even if it's just to fly a kite #30seconds pic.twitter.com/4mULFN5a4k

— SillySheep (@SillySheep) July 20, 2017

Q: Let’s be intentional to take advantage of summer. What are two things you can ask family for help?

It helps to notice when I’m feeling resentful. Resentment points to the areas I need to ask for help. Family cleanup when house is a mess. Make it fun. Play music. Not sweat the small stuff. Enjoy summer loosen up a bit. Ask them to clean up their mess – not do it for them.

A5 Mowing lawn (if you have a yard)---take turns #30Seconds

— 🐯⚾️🐠Toni B 🎨 🎬 (@rychepet) July 20, 2017

Q: What are two activities you will enjoy with family?

I like to be intentional and to have fun. I’m like going to state parks with family, and going to kayak. And what do you all want to do with your family? Name two!

#30Seconds a6 we get passes for @sandiegozoo and @SeaWorld @seawand can go many times throughout the year. One tom8big expense.

— lorri langmaid (@lorri1956) July 20, 2017

It’s important for us to not control if they're having fun. Sit back and enjoy yourself. It's contagious! Goal is building connection and having fun.

Q. What are two ways you will take care of yourself this summer?

I’m going to meditate and exercise at least five times a week. Daily? Let the sun shine on my face. How about you? Name two ways to take care of yourself this summer.

A7: I have been trying to exercise more and eat healthier. #30Seconds

— Ashley Turner (@savings417) July 20, 2017

Absolutely!! This is why I write and why I read everyone's tips and blogs. It helps me feel connected, understood, and validated! #30Seconds

— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) July 20, 2017

Be sure to follow @Sheryl_Gould, visit MomsOfTweensAndTeens.com, like her on Facebook and check out her 30Seconds page!