For all my New Year’s intentions of getting back to a schedule, we were all hit with a cold and have been slow to start back up. I don’t think that is the only problem though.

In Little E’s take-home papers from church on Sunday, there was a little blurb about the “bahhumbug” - a crazy illness that’s passed through stressful holiday travel, different foods, and hectic schedules. The symptoms include kids expecting special foods and other holiday special privileges.

The tips that were offered to cope with this malady include:

- Reinstating the normal rules and routines. Explain why exceptions were made for the holidays and don’t apologize.

- Give fewer choices. While kids need to be able to make some choices, we can all get overwhelmed by too many options.

- As with any “bug,” take care of yourself. Get more rest. Allow more time for getting ready in the morning. Say no to some activities.

You’ll be back to yourself in no time - or so I hope!