My son has one set of clothes he wears. Recently the top and shorts both got holes in within a day of each other and he wouldn't wear them. So I had a panic trying to find others that were ok. Now he has his new set so we are ok until something happens to those!!
A walk or run! We live in a city (but a nice one) so I find getting away from built up areas on my walk or run the most de-stressing for me, especially as my PDAer finds it almost impossible to leave the house.
Couch to 5k is how I got into running during the pandemic, inspired by my (non-PDA) daughter who took up running in the first lock down to alleviate the anxiety and stress of being stuck in the house all day...!
A few years ago, when we were in the early lockdown mode of the pandemic, my son settled on about a dozen t-shirts that he will wear, refusing all others (he’s always only worn athletic shorts and tees, but now it’s more specific). These shirts are worn and stained and we argued about them for awhile. It is hard for me to see him go out in public looking uncared for or unclean ( they are washed, but just ratty). If I had seen this coming I would’ve bought identical replacements but they are all too old now to find.
We have finally landed on an agreement where he will put on a “clean shirt” ie newer plain unstained tee, for most outings, changing back into one of his favored tees when he gets home. It’s become his habit now instead of my rule.
It’s still an issue sometimes (for me) when we have company come over because if he’s at home, “clean shirts” will not be worn, but I am learning, too, to get clear on what matters & let it go. I want him to be comfortable & feel safe after all.
I said theatre shows in your poll, but I would pick any of those if I actually had the time/respite to de-stress! Getting up early and reading/writing is the best I can do at the moment :)
I love how you've said it's still an issue for you - I think it subconsciously must be for me too, or else I probably wouldn't have asked her if she wanted some other clothes, or written about it! But I think the issue is more that I worry that other people will think it's weird that she's always in the same outfit, whereas years ago I might have worried that people would think I was a rubbish parent who could be bothered to persuade her to wear something different...!
Oof, it's still a bit of both for me, I think. I definitely care a lot less than I used to about other people's judgements of me and my decisions as a parent, but it's still there some. And, while my son doesn't (seem to) care what judgements people might make of him (which is what we want, right? Be yourself, don't worry about what other people think), I worry for him anyway!
I picked theatre, I don't like live gigs so much now I'm in a wheelchair, but the theatre works out well for me and I'm quite addicted. Maybe not quite as addicted as you are with Take That though. As for clothes. My kids are all different, but they mostly like their pjs. I'll catch up with everything else when I have my brain in gear.
My son has one set of clothes he wears. Recently the top and shorts both got holes in within a day of each other and he wouldn't wear them. So I had a panic trying to find others that were ok. Now he has his new set so we are ok until something happens to those!!
Buy another set now!! ;)
I would but one was a hand me down!
Good idea for the shorts though!
A walk or run! We live in a city (but a nice one) so I find getting away from built up areas on my walk or run the most de-stressing for me, especially as my PDAer finds it almost impossible to leave the house.
I'm not a runner myself (I did do the Couch to 5k though, pretty proud of myself for that!) but I do love a good walk away from houses too!
Couch to 5k is how I got into running during the pandemic, inspired by my (non-PDA) daughter who took up running in the first lock down to alleviate the anxiety and stress of being stuck in the house all day...!
A few years ago, when we were in the early lockdown mode of the pandemic, my son settled on about a dozen t-shirts that he will wear, refusing all others (he’s always only worn athletic shorts and tees, but now it’s more specific). These shirts are worn and stained and we argued about them for awhile. It is hard for me to see him go out in public looking uncared for or unclean ( they are washed, but just ratty). If I had seen this coming I would’ve bought identical replacements but they are all too old now to find.
We have finally landed on an agreement where he will put on a “clean shirt” ie newer plain unstained tee, for most outings, changing back into one of his favored tees when he gets home. It’s become his habit now instead of my rule.
It’s still an issue sometimes (for me) when we have company come over because if he’s at home, “clean shirts” will not be worn, but I am learning, too, to get clear on what matters & let it go. I want him to be comfortable & feel safe after all.
I said theatre shows in your poll, but I would pick any of those if I actually had the time/respite to de-stress! Getting up early and reading/writing is the best I can do at the moment :)
I love how you've said it's still an issue for you - I think it subconsciously must be for me too, or else I probably wouldn't have asked her if she wanted some other clothes, or written about it! But I think the issue is more that I worry that other people will think it's weird that she's always in the same outfit, whereas years ago I might have worried that people would think I was a rubbish parent who could be bothered to persuade her to wear something different...!
Oof, it's still a bit of both for me, I think. I definitely care a lot less than I used to about other people's judgements of me and my decisions as a parent, but it's still there some. And, while my son doesn't (seem to) care what judgements people might make of him (which is what we want, right? Be yourself, don't worry about what other people think), I worry for him anyway!
I picked theatre, I don't like live gigs so much now I'm in a wheelchair, but the theatre works out well for me and I'm quite addicted. Maybe not quite as addicted as you are with Take That though. As for clothes. My kids are all different, but they mostly like their pjs. I'll catch up with everything else when I have my brain in gear.
Ooooh I do love theatre too, especially musicals!
I picked the theatre.
However: I have been to two live music gigs in the past 2 months.
Both are people known in the Australian musical theatre world.
In the first one we were able to join in "Love is taking us higher".
This has a lot to do with the stress cycle - especially the movement part of it.
Being able to actively participate and feel at one with the audiences.
***
When I watch TV or go to the movies I like to watch highly keyed narratives with stakes in them.
For example: ANATOMY OF A FALL; LA CHIMERA.
On TV: THE SUSPECT based on the Robotham book; AFTER THE PARTY.
Ones that can provoke a lot of talk and closeness.
***
Hope Amanda got to see the felines on your blog!
And I imagine many reviewers would have tried to do the same thing - with the felines' consent of course.
Another way for me to destress is to be with nature and with animals.
Specific plants or a forest or a reef.
Yes! I love nature too. Going to the seaside relaxes me!
I enjoy going to the seaside or the beach, Steph.
I love to watch seaweed and walk on the sand.