This week I watched a toddler melt down in record time.
The cause?
A banana broke.
Not a major life event.
Not an injury.
Not a crisis.
The banana broke.
Cue the tears.
The sobbing.
The dramatic collapse onto the floor as if the world had ended.
If you've ever raised children—or grandchildren—you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Sometimes the tiniest things create the biggest emotions.
When a Broken Banana Becomes a Full-Blown Crisis
At first, I did what most moms and grandmas do.
I tried reasoning.
Then comforting.
Then distracting.
Nothing worked.
And if I'm being honest, after ten minutes of toddler-sized heartbreak, I was the one who needed help.
So naturally, I grabbed my Stress Away® and dumped it on his head.
Just kidding. 😆
But I was tempted.
Instead, I rolled a little on my wrists and took a few deep breaths.
Then another.
And another.
Eventually, I rubbed a tiny bit on the toddler's feet, gathered them up for a snuggle, and before long the Great Banana Tragedy of 2025 was over.
The banana was forgotten.
Peace was restored.
Everyone survived.
Why Moms and Grandmas Need Stress Support Too
Parenting—and grandparenting—is one of the greatest joys in life.
It's also one of the most exhausting.
One minute you're watching sweet little faces laugh and play.
The next minute someone is devastated because:
- Their banana broke.
- They got the blue cup instead of the red cup.
- Their sock feels funny.
- Their sandwich was cut into triangles instead of squares.
Children have big emotions.
And sometimes adults do too.
That's why I've learned that caring for myself is just as important as caring for the little people in my life.
When I'm calm, patient, and grounded, I can respond much better when emotions start flying.
The Two Things I Never Leave Home Without
Summer outings with kids can be wonderful.
They can also be messy, sticky, chaotic, and unpredictable.
Over the years, I've learned to keep two simple things in my bag that make life easier.
1. Something for Dirty Hands
Children somehow manage to touch everything.
Playgrounds.
Shopping carts.
Restaurant tables.
Gas pumps.
And then immediately put their hands near their faces.
That's why I always carry Thieves® Waterless Hand Sanitizer.
It's one of those products I reach for constantly:
- After pumping gas
- Before meals
- After playground adventures
- While traveling
- Anytime soap and water aren't nearby
What I love most is that it leaves my hands smelling warm and clean rather than like harsh chemicals.
And I feel good about my children and grandchildren using it too.
2. Something for Big Emotions
Kids aren't the only ones who get overwhelmed.
Parents and grandparents can reach their limit too.
Long days, busy schedules, noise, heat, crowds, and constant stimulation can leave anyone feeling frazzled.
That's why Stress Awayâ„¢ Roll-On has earned a permanent spot in my purse.
When I start feeling overwhelmed, I simply roll it onto my:
- Wrists
- Neck
- Shoulders
Then I pause and take a deep breath.
That's it.
Simple.
Portable.
Easy.
And sometimes that tiny moment is enough to help me reset before I accidentally join the toddler meltdown myself.
Creating Calmer Family Days
The truth is, there isn't an essential oil for broken bananas.
There isn't a magic solution for every parenting challenge.
But there are simple tools that can help us respond better when life gets messy.
Because let's face it:
Life with children is messy.
Beautiful.
Exhausting.
Hilarious.
Wonderful.
And completely unpredictable.
A little preparation goes a long way.
What's in Your Mom Bag?
Every mom, grandma, and caregiver has a few essentials they never leave home without.
Maybe it's snacks.
Maybe it's wipes.
Maybe it's a favorite toy.
Maybe it's coffee.
No judgment here.
I'd love to know:
What's the one thing you always make sure is in your bag before leaving the house?
Share your must-have item in the comments below!
Here's to smoother outings, fewer meltdowns, and surviving the occasional broken banana with our sanity intact.
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