Stress Tips for Parents
Being a parent will likely be one of the most difficult things you have ever done, but on the other hand, it will be one of the most rewarding jobs of your life. As a parent, you often forget to take care of yourself…I have found this especially true with mothers…because you're caught up in the madness that is life. It doesn't matter if you're a stay-at-home parent or work outside the home, being a parent is stressful! Luckily, there are some great strategies to help you deal with parental stress.
Stress Tips For Every Parent
Get the kids on a schedule. The best thing that every parent can do for themself is to get the kids on a schedule and keep them on it. When you try to stick to a routine you'll feel more comfortable handling breakfasts, lunches, naps, and bed times. When you don't have a schedule, you may begin to feel scattered or disorganized and your stress levels will increase exponentially! Things are always unpredictable when kids are involved, but when you have even the simplest structure, your days will be a little more predictable and you'll save your sanity!
Don't be afraid to put yourself in time out. Many parents feel like they just have to keep pushing forward when they are about to come unglued. Parents get stressed and often need to take a breather, just like kids! Instead of continuing to push forward when you are about to snap, walk into another room and just breathe deeply for a few minutes. While you are breathing, picture how you would like to respond to the situation and then remind yourself that it is important for you to follow through in a calm manner. After all, you're a role model for your children. If you respond with anger, they learn that anger is acceptable behavior no matter what you tell them. A minute or two in "time out" can make for a great day for the whole family!
Eat healthy. If you ask 100 parents, especially stay-at-home parents, what their diets are like at least 85 of them will look at you and cringe. Unfortunately, there's a tendency to just eat what you can, when you can. Even if you are on the go you need to make a conscious effort to eat well. When you eat nutritious foods, you are providing your body with the energy it needs to keep up with your kids and cope with the stress you encounter every day.
Create a support system. Teaming up with other parents makes a great support system. Even if you can't get together every couple weeks, it is nice to know that you have someone you can call who won't question your abilities but will just listen and empathize. All parents feel the stress that comes with the job, so make sure to surround yourself with other parents that will be happy to listen to you when you need a shoulder to lean on and be sure to return the favor!
Make time for yourself. As a parent (especially the stay-at-home varieties & more frequently moms), you may forget that you're important too! This is why you need to make time for yourself every day. You may think that there is no time, but there is if you get help or if you sneak in some relaxation after the kids go to bed or before they get up. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure, drink that cup of tea slowly, read a book, take a long bath, or get a massage. Your relaxation time doesn't have to be extravagant, but it needs to be there. I have been teaching parents and couples this for years…15 minutes of “me time” every day can make all the difference in your various relationships!
