blog » July 18, 2017 by 30Seconds Mom

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

#30Seconds Live Blog
6 years ago

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

Nicole DeAvilla
I love the way Sheryl Gould talks and supports moms, tweens and teens. I am looking forward to your talk Sheryl. :)
Sheryl Gould
Nicole DeAvilla Super excited to be with the tribe tonight on twitter. It's going to be a blast!
Kelli Porcaro
Ahhh...can't wait to hear your summer tips Sheryl Gould !!
Sheryl Gould
Kelli Schulte So glad you're joining us Kelli! You always add so much value.
Kim Kusiciel
Ohhhh, I can't wait for this one! See you there Sheryl Gould!
Sheryl Gould
Kim Kusiciel I just have to meet you! I know we would have a blast and we will tonight!
Kim Kusiciel
It was a fabulous chat and I know we'll have a blast when we meet IRL. 😘
Toni B
sounds like another great chat!
Sheryl Gould
Toni B Hope to tweet with you again tonight Toni!
Rachel W. Lewter
I'll take any help I can get. This should be fun.
Sheryl Gould
Rachel W. Lewter You and me both Rachel. Can't wait to learn from everyone too!
Sheryl Gould
Looking forward to it Ashley Turner I'm so glad you're coming !!
Meredith Schneider
So happy I can get caught up here and in the twitter stream. :) Kids were in all different directions tonight.
Meredith Schneider
Missed you too Nicole DeAvilla ! Haven't missed a chat in a while. My Wednesday night felt off missing chatting with everyone.
Sheryl Gould
Missed you Meredith Schneider . I totally get it! You'll have to read the notes - driving kids in different direction in summer can be a challenge!
Ashley Turner
Thank you again, it was a fun chat.
Elisa Schmitz
Wow, what a wonderful livestream today with Sheryl Gould ! Such awesome info and inspiration. Thanks for joining us! Donna John Nicole DeAvilla Meredith Schneider Tamara O'Shaughnessy Kelli Schulte Cheryl Leahy

join discussion

Please login to comment.

#30Seconds Twitter chat

Chat has ended

who was there

how to participate

Simply click here to go to the #30Seconds hashtag and you will see all of our tweets in the chat! To join the conversation, hit reply to any tweet that interests you.
Make sure to put the #30Seconds hashtag in your tweets so we can see you and respond. Using our hashtag is like being in the same room together! See you at the best night in on Twitter!

related tips

Enjoy Family Fun Time With Your Teens This Summer (Yes, You Read Right)!

Teenagers Are Starving for More Than Food: Here Are 3 Things All Teens Need Daily!

Teen Time: 27 Ideas for Summertime Fun With Your Tween or Teen!

A Family Who Plays Together Stays Together: 5 Easy Ways to Create a Playful Home for Your Kids