Let’s face it — while being a parent is the most rewarding and joyful experience in the world, it does come with its challenges each day, and can cause great stress at times.
Parents today are faced with greater responsibilities and commitments than ever before.
Many parents juggle careers, taking care of the household, and children — all of which are full-time jobs in themselves.
Parenting stress is real, and can lead to more stress with feelings of guilt, anxiety, and disappointment when we put too much pressure on ourselves as parents.
In fact, it is so common that it has its own dictionary definition online:
“Parenting stress is a normal part of the parenting experience. It arises when parenting demands exceed the expected and actual resources available to the parents that permit them to succeed in the parent role.”
But there are basic things today’s parent can do to alleviate stress and those feelings of inadequacy that sometimes come with the daily struggles of being a mom (or dad).
The Child Development Institute reported:
Try to take one day at a time. Look for the good things that happen each day and be thankful. Reach out and touch someone. Giving IS better than receiving. Be forgiving. Don’t hold grudges. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. As you learn to forgive others, use a little on yourself. Tomorrow is another day.
Parenting can be very stressful. Whether you are a stay at home parent or a working parent, a single parent or a married parent, mother or father, parent of one child or several children; remaining cool, calm and full of energy can help get you through the day. Below are some simple stress management tips and relaxation exercises that have proven useful to adults whether or not they are a parent. By taking a moment to consider which stress management tools will work for you and then putting them into practice immediately will help to provide the stress management approach you are looking for and the stress relief you deserve.
If you research stress management online, you will find thousands of articles and tips. “Take time for yourself, read a novel, take a long walk, etc.”
However, many of these are not possible when there are dozens of little things that must be done each day, all while managing the needs of small children.
While it is, of course, important to stay healthy and calm, eat right, exercise, and take time away from work, finances, or household responsibilities, some of the most important ways to relieve parenting stress come from within — like not being so hard on ourselves.
In today’s world of Pinterest-perfect photo shoots of perfectly dressed smiling children, beautifully decorated homes, and world-class birthday parties, a great way to relieve the stress put on parents is to be realistic.
There will be days where things just won’t go as planned. Having children is amazing, but unpredictable.
It is very helpful to plan out your day, make lists, and stay organized — but it is also vital to prioritize. Yes, there are tasks that must be accomplished, but always make extra time in your day in case things don’t quite go as planned.
Sometimes, we have to let go of our high standards of “having it all.”
As parents, our priorities are making sure our children are healthy and safe. Take some time out of your busy day to just sit and play or read with your children.
Many stress relief tips for parents promote time away from the kids as the only way to reduce the tension of the day.
But most of us want to spend more time with our kids and find that all the other responsibilities of adult life get in the way of that. Prioritize what is most important in your day, and what will make you feel most fulfilled.
Will you feel more relaxed and accomplished if you do the laundry and dishes, or if you take an hour to explore in the backyard with your small child?
And many of the stress relief tips from the “experts” can be done with your child. Take a walk with them and see the world through their eyes. Read their favorite book with them and revisit your own childhood.
Get together with other parents for an outing. Having someone to talk to who understands exactly what you are going through each day is a great stress reliever.
Keeping your children and family calm and secure will most certainly reduce your own stress. When we try to do it all, it tends to make the day more chaotic and increase stress and anxiety in the whole family.
And after the kids go to bed, you can research stress relief tips from the “experts,” like hiring a housekeeper or nanny. Sometimes the best stress relief is a good laugh.