The Calm Parent Toolkit: 7 Daily Habits That Keep Me (Mostly) Sane
, by SAND N SALT KIDS, 3 min reading time
, by SAND N SALT KIDS, 3 min reading time
Let’s be real—parenting is a wild ride, and there are days it feels like you’re juggling tantrums, to-do lists, and toast crusts all at once (with no coffee in sight).
But here’s the good news: calm isn’t something we find—it’s something we build.
And nope, I’m not talking about adding more to your plate or meditating on a mountain (unless you want to). I’m talking about tiny, doable daily rituals that keep us grounded, connected, and a little more chill—without needing to escape to Bali (although… tempting).
So here it is, my Calm Parent Toolkit—7 simple habits that keep me (mostly) sane while raising rad little humans.
1. The Morning Mantra
Before the chaos kicks in—while the kettle’s boiling or the kids are still pretending they’re asleep—I take 30 seconds to breathe and set an intention.
Nothing woo-woo, just something like:
→ “Let’s go slow today.”
→ “Patience over perfection.”
→ “We’ve got this, mate.”
Even if the day derails, I started on my terms.
2. Coffee… Mindfully
Yes, the caffeine is non-negotiable—but the way I drink it matters. Instead of downing it while running around yelling “WHERE’S YOUR OTHER SHOE?!” I try (keyword: try) to take the first few sips sitting down, phone away, eyes closed.
It’s my tiny “me time” reset button.
3. Name + Notice the Feels
When my kids are spiraling, I don’t try to shut it down. I ask:
→ “Is your brain feeling stormy?”
→ “Do you need space or a hug?”
Giving them language around emotions has been a game-changer—for them and for me. And hey, sometimes I need to say it too:
→ “I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, but I’m going to take a breath.”
4. The ‘Fresh Air Fix’
Even if it’s just 5 minutes—bare feet on grass, a walk around the block, or soaking in that Phillip Island salty breeze—nature regulates our nervous system like nothing else.
Bonus points if you leave your phone behind and actually notice your surroundings. The waves, the trees, your kid showing you a rock for the 47th time—it all counts.
5. Outfit Energy Shift
Yes, what I wear changes my mood—but more importantly, what they wear shifts theirs.
A comfy, cool tee that says “Epic Vibes” or “Kind is Cool” can flip the switch.
→ “Hey, look at your shirt today—what kind of vibes are you bringing?”
It’s mindfulness, disguised as fashion.
6. End-of-Day Gratitude Bomb
Dinner table or bedtime, we drop a few “gratitude bombs”:
• What made you laugh today?
• What was the best part of your day?
• What are you proud of yourself for?
No pressure to be deep—“ice cream” is a totally valid answer. It’s about creating space for reflection and connection.
7. Radical Rest
Let’s normalise early bedtimes for grown-ups.
After the chaos, I give myself permission to switch off. That might mean reading, watching trash TV, or literally just laying down in silence.
Rest isn’t lazy. It’s essential. And a rested mum = a more patient, present one.
TL;DR:
You don’t need to overhaul your life to find calm. Just sprinkle in a few grounding habits, be kind to your brain, and rock a tee that reminds you: you’re doing better than you think.
Need a vibe shift in your day?
Our gear isn’t just for kids—it’s for you, too. Positive energy, soft fabrics, and little reminders that you’ve got this.