Written By: Parenting Contributor, Prerna Malik, TheMomWrites.com
Being a parent is exciting, fulfilling, enriching, satisfying and yet, oh-so-challenging.
Yes, parenting isn’t easy. There are good days and there are not-so-good days.
Here are some parenting tips for those not-so-good days, days when you want to hide, day when you crave a time out:
1. Do One Thing That Makes You Happy
Yes, it may seem difficult to find something to cheer you up when you’re stressed and overwhelmed. But think about just ONE thing that could make you feel better – a nap, a hug, a bath, 10 minutes alone, a walk, a chat with a friend. Just drop everything else and do that one thing right now. It will make you feel so much better and more in control than ever.
2. Hang Loose
Sometimes, parenting becomes so tough, because we make it tough on ourselves. Yes, we want kids to behave, the house to be picture-perfect, everything to be just ideal. Well, that would be nice but if it isn’t, let’s not beat ourselves up. When things seem to get overwhelming, step back a little, go easy on yourself and your family and things would seem much better instantly. Stop stressing over the pile of laundry. Yes, stop it. There, don’t you feel better already?
3. Head Outdoors
As busy parents, we often get stuck in our own little world. When parenting seems to get exhausting, pack up the kids and head outdoors. The fresh air, the flowers, the people around you, the sights and sounds is bound to take your mind away from squabbling siblings or that pile of laundry and let you feel calmer and more relaxed, instantly.
4. Send The Kids Away
I don’t mean, send the kids away, literally. Well, actually I do. Just send them away to a friend’s house to play for a bit while you get to unwind a little, catch your breath, center yourself. Even a short 15-minute break with the kids playing at someone else’s house will be enough to leave you feeling recharged and ready to rock this parenting gig once again.
5. Pick Your Battles
Finally, don’t make parenting tougher than it already is by fighting it through. It is not a battle. It is a balance beam that you need to walk on with care, so pick your battles. Do you really want to lose your cool over an unmade bed one morning? Picking your battles is good not only for your own peace of mind but also, for the family. They’ll know that when you do get serious, you mean business.
What parenting tips do you have for when things get overwhelming?
Great list. I would add “Be Consistent.” If what we’re doing isn’t working it may be because we’re not sticking to our guns often enough. Whether it’s in taking away a privilege or promising a treat, do what you say.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks @bluenotebacker.. I agree, being consistent does make a difference.. However, I’ve also learnt that sometimes it pays to ‘pick my battles’ and just give everyone a break.. LOL! Thanks for sharing!
These are simple reminders of ways I can reclaim my sanity–thank you, Prerna! As a new-to-homeschooling mother, an entrepreneur, a wife, and a total idea-to-launch junkie, it gets tough at times, but tips 2 and 3 are truly my places of solace. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re most welcome, Akilah! Glad to know that the tips work for you as well:-)