With just a few days before school starts I can feel the familiar buzz in us all.

For me, it looks like the desire to reconnect to my work on a bigger level, making plans for the first week the kids are at school, and lots of emailing and list making. For the kids, it looks different. Suddenly they no longer know what they enjoy doing. They seem listless, a little on edge, and wanting more of my attention than usual. I’m sure you can see how the two visuals don’t mix well. Maybe some of you are experiencing the same as you run through your list of well-child check ups, school supply shopping, and checking to make sure there are any presentable clothes you’re children still fit into after a summer of growth.

Today, I’m excited to share with you my tried and true, 100% simple and natural remedy. The best part is that it's effective for both mama and child. OK, here it is. SIT YOUR BUTT DOWN. (This is how it sounds in my head—like a Buddha alarm.)

Here’s how I apply this simple household remedy:

For kids:

When it seems like they are falling apart around you, bickering incessantly with each other, flopping about on floor and furniture, in other words, driving you batty—sit down in the middle of it all. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it works every time. You may not even need to do or say anything. I usually start with, “would anyone like a story?” Or, you could grab a book or a small project you’re working on and begin silently.

Possible outcomes for kids include:

quieting down, curiosity, climbing into your lap or by your side, conversation, peace and calm restored, need for mom’s attention lessened considerably.

Length of time: This varies by situation but usually 5-20 minutes is all it takes to create a shift. Or, the time it takes to read one picture book aloud. It must be said that for this remedy to be effective you have to trust in it’s power and most importantly you have to be fully present to it. You can’t be thinking about your lists or who you need to call next while reading this book. This is TOTAL connection time. That’s why it works.

For moms:

When you notice your head spinning with so many competing thoughts (kids, work, family, friends, your own desires, what’s for dinner) and you don’t know what to do next—take a moment to sit your butt down. Again, this may seem incredibly counter-intuitive when you have so much on your plate and kids all around you. Yet, it can be as simple as laying down and feeling your whole body on the floor. Feel yourself let go and surrender to the Earth’s gravitational pull. Or, find a space for you to sit and still your mind with 5-20 minutes of focused breathing. If nothing else, make yourself a cup of tea and commit to sitting down and drinking the whole cup without getting up.

This is only effective if you can drop your agenda for a moment and trust in the power of the process.

Possible outcomes for moms include:

inner peace, spaciousness, relaxation and clarity. Sitting in stillness allows you to witness your day with a wider, more compassionate lens. This will help you to increase your list doing productivity in two ways. One, you will know how to prioritize each item. And two, you will most likely see a few things to erase from the list entirely.

One simple household remedy that can be applied to multiple situations. Did I mention it costs nothing at all?I’ve already given my children their dose in order to take a moment to share this with you. I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Let me know if you give it a try in your house and how it works for you. Please share it with others who might benefit from a healthy dose of sitting still.