Motherboard: Finding Purim in the Chaos

For the average mother of young children, Purim can mean mess, overwhelm, and not much fun. We’ve collected tips for a better, happier, and more connected Purim.

Obligations Met

I use Taanis Esther afternoon — when both my children and I are off — as an opportunity to deliver shalach manos to my close friends and my children’s peripheral, not-as-close friends. This way, on Purim day itself, I know my “social obligations” are met and we can focus on our children’s teachers, rebbeim, and close friends.

—MB, Passaic, NJ

Skip the Fighting

Give each child a designated bag for their mishloach manos so they don’t get mixed up and create arguments.

—Naomi Bass, Edgware, UK

Eat Early

A proper seudah of real food early in the day (for you and for your kids!), goes a long way.

—SML, Jerusalem

Small Treats

Prepare a small, appetizer-sized plate. As your shalach manos packages arrive, choose the items you love best and put them on your plate. When there is a quiet moment and/or after Purim, sit down and enjoy those chosen items, eat them slowly and mindfully, and acknowledge the opportunity to treat yourself. Lastly, pat yourself on the back for not completely restricting and depriving yourself, and then pat your back again for not mindlessly grazing or overstuffing yourself.