Podcast Episode 75: How to Ditch That Nasty “Stop and Drop” Habit

Do you have a Stop and Drop problem?

Well, let me ask you this…

Have you ever had your kids come into the kitchen after dinner only to ask you to take them to the store to get supplies for a school project that’s due the next day? And 5 minutes later you are in your car begrudgingly driving to the nearby convenience store for supplies?

Or have you ever had your kid tell you at bedtime that they are out of deodorant and need you to get them some more? So you have to rearrange your day tomorrow to swing by the store and get your kid’s deodorant.

Sigh.

If you shook your head in agreement to either of those scenarios above then you have a Stop & Drop then you have a Stop and Drop problem my friend.

What is the “Stop and Drop”?

Stop and Drop is when we are asked to stop and drop what we are doing that day or even at that very moment and do what someone else in the family wants done.

It’s frustrating and sets everyone up for failure.

But this isn’t any one person’s fault. It’s the result of a combination of things.

First, we aren’t keeping healthy boundaries when we continually do the stop and drop.

If you haven’t ever told your kids that you can’t drop everything for them and go do what they need done…why wouldn’t they ask you to do it?

Second, if you’ve flat out done it before, the expectation is there.

You may grumble and complain, but you did it all the same.

Third, because you’ve done it before, your kids have never experienced the NEED to plan ahead. They have always been able to come to you last minute, and mom has made it all better.

But there’s good news!

We have 3 simple tips to help you ditch that nasty “Stop and Drop” habit once and for all!

1. Schedule it!

This one is all about giving yourself the gift of time!

Find a block of time in your calendar where you have nothing else scheduled. Give yourself ample time to run and errand or two, (that will undoubtedly pop up (because that’s life) maybe for 30-90 minutes.

2. Announce it!

Take the time to tell your family that things are changing and the Stop and Drop will no longer be an option. Explain that this change isn’t to be mean, or punish them, but to instead honor your boundaries and give you time to do what you need to do as well.

Let them know when (what day) you scheduled your “pop-up” time so they know that’s when last-minute things can be done by you.

And only then.

3. Stick to your guns!

It’ll be hard, there will be whining, there will be tears, but hold strong! Because if you don’t honor your boundaries- why should anyone else?

And look at what you are teaching your kids here really. By sticking to your guns and honoring your healthy boundaries, you are teaching your kids that the world will stop and accommodate them anytime, and helping them fully understand and appreciate having forethought and planning ahead!

Resources We Shared:

Emotions 911

Podcast Episode 54- How to go from overwhelmed to in control with Cara Harvey

Calm and Happy Parenting

Download the Transcripts Here

The best mom is a happy mom. To better take care of you, download our No Guilt Mom mindset here . These reminders will help you second guess less, and feel more confidence every day in your parenting.