If you have not already started experiencing menopausal meltdowns you’re in for a treat! Imagine your worst ever PMS day to the nth power squared times ten. I’m in what’s called perimenopause, the period that occurs before you actually have your last period . It’s the time when you are more than likely to have hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods and other annoying symptoms.
Now, imagine having to deal with all of that madness and deal with the emotional torrents of a toddler, preschooler or kindergartner. As they are fond to say in New Orleans, “baby it ain’t nothing nice.” But let me just add that no matter how hard it might be to get through your present crisis it is so important to remain cool and level-headed,especially in front of your kids. Cry if you must but please lock yourself in the bathroom and bawl like a baby into a hand towel. Then, wash your face, apply fresh makeup (if that’s your bag) and emerge in control. You see, kids are wonderful and for the most part sweet little angels, sugar and spice and all that jazz but they can become little sadists, especially when they realize they have pushed your buttons because guess what, when they do come to this realization, they will do it again and again.
Here are a few tips I have found useful for dealing with the discomforts of perimenopause while dealing with a young child.
(1) If at all possible don’t plan too many (or any) outings during this time. Even the most well behaved child will turn on you when you least expect it. It might be better to stay home those few days.
(2) If you have to go out, try to make it as short a trip as possible and make sure the child is well-rested and fed. Nothing’s worse than a cranky, sleepy, hungry child.
(3) Nurture yourself. Take especially good care of yourself during this time. Get enough sleep and eat healthy. I find that when I am having a really, really bad day, it’s best for me to go to bed early. I typically work until around 2 AM but during these times I have gone to bed as early as 8.
(4) This too shall pass. Make this your new mantra. Remember that your child is going through a phase just as you are and neither of you can be rushed though it so relax and try to make the best of it.