Parenting and stress go hand in hand, but there are things you can do that will help you cope with the stress of parenting. Parenting is a very rewarding experience but it is also very demanding and stressful. There is a lot of responsibility involved in raising children and there is no shortage of advice to help deal with parenting and stress.
Children do not come with instructions although sometimes we wish they would. Each child will be different so follow your instincts and get parenting advice from friends and family or a professional when you need it. Even the most experienced parents can be overwhelmed dealing with parenting and stress even if you can not tell.
Your children will grow up and have many influences throughout their lives. Give them a good foundation and understanding of right and wrong and they should do well.
Parents are a child's first teacher, and children will learn most of their coping skills from their parents. They learn this by watching how the parents react to and handle different situations.
1. When a child is acting out it is important for you to respond and correct the situation as quickly as possible. Do not wait until you are acting out more than the child. React calmly and consistently each time.
2. If you have someone to stay with the kids take a ride or walk. Just 10 minutes to yourself can be what you need to regroup. Take some deep breaths and try to let go of the stress that has built up.
3. If there is no one to stay with the kids, take them outside or at least give them a chore to help with. Redirection can be more helpful and less stressful than a time out.
4. Schedule your time on the phone and take care of personal business when your kids are occupied. You will find that children seem to act out as soon as you are distracted from them. Creating routines and structure will help you complete your own tasks and create a calm atmosphere for you and the children.
5. While each child is unique keep in mind that they are kids. There are other parents dealing with the same things you are. Often talking to some other parents that are going through the same challenges can be helpful.
6. Be sure to make time for yourself. Once the kids wake up it will be hard for you to leave them to get showered or have a quiet cup of coffee. Your time could be an hour or two in the morning, before the kids get up.
7. Stay positive and encourage good behavior with praise. Time outs and punishments are stressful for you as a parent and can turn a minor situation into an explosive one. Avoid punishments by redirecting your child's attention to something else, this works well for both you and the child.
It can be overwhelming sometimes trying to juggle all the hats we wear as parents and you will need to find the strategies that work best for you and your family.
Parenting and stress that we deal with everyday can make a person a little crazy. The effects are physical and psychological but it has to be dealt with. The most important thing is to recognize when you are stressed and get yourself in check. Try different techniques and find the one that works for you then keep doing it. You will be richly rewarded when you can offer advice to your grandchildren.
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