Getting Through the Day as a Parent
Tags: Stress, Stress Management, Parenting Advice, Parenting

Parenting styles differ throughout the world, but one thing moms can agree on is the love we have for our children. Another thing we can agree on is that our children stress us out! That is okay; it is common for our children to test our limits and make us question every life decision we have made.

I am a mother to two beautiful daughters who are perfect angels and have never made me angry once. That is the biggest lie I have ever told. If anyone ever says that to you about their children, they are lying too. Kids are born clueless. Children do not know what is right to wrong, how to act appropriately, or how to refrain from stressing us out. That is why being a parent is an important job. We are their teachers to live life. Parenting is a highly intense job; a lot of pressure is on us. We are going to have days where we are pushed to our limits. Luckily, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you manage stress and help you give your kids your all so you can raise one heck of a kid.

Taking Time For You

I am going to say what needs to be said, be selfish and demand time for yourself. Communicate with your spouse that you need dedicated time to yourself. Whether it be within the house or outside of the house, find time to where you can be alone. One thing all parents know is that they do not get the chance to breathe. Children are either asking for something, crying about something, or breaking something.

Having alone time does not have to be daily; find time once a week. Having time to reset, give yourself time to think about life, your goals, what you are grateful for is essential to go into your day prepared.

Set a time that is for you. On Saturday mornings at my house, my kids and husband are lazy. They want to eat breakfast and flop on the couch. I am not like that. I take that time while my kids are occupied to do things I want. Making it work for everyone, we are all happy, and I am getting kid-free time. Look at your weekly schedule and make time where you can squeeze in just for you. Whether it be going to the gym or locking yourself in your bedroom, time for you is equally essential to your mental health.

Get Organized

I live my life by a checklist. I create one every day, all the things that need to be done around the house, taking my kids to the park, making phone calls, whatever can be marked off. Making a to-do list helps me plan out my day and goals. Every day I write down to get the kids out of the house. When your kids burn energy, they are less likely to annoy you when you are home. Giving you a chance to get some work done around the house, sit on your phone for a bit, catch up on a show, or stare at the ceiling. (We have all done it)

My best advice, plan your week in advance. Schedule playdates in advance, plan trips to the library, the park, the movies, or the pool. If you are crafty, plan your crafts ahead of time and have your supplies ready. Schedule in your housework. Plan which days are laundry days, cleaning the bathrooms, or even mopping the floors. Planning will help you on top of those undesirable tasks; that we all, unfortunately, have to do.

If you want to get extra organized check out my post on 21 Ways to Get Organized in 2021.

It Is Okay To Hide

Probably my favorite quick stress reliever tip; hide. The closet, the laundry room, the bathroom, any room with a door, and preferably a lock is a great hiding spot. Check that your kids are safe and occupied. Either let them know you need 5 minutes or slowly walk away.

(Whatever works best for your home)

DO NOT feel bad for hiding yourself away for a couple of minutes. Sometimes this is the best way to calm down before you are pushed to the limit. Various good things to do when alone are some breathing exercises, get in a comfortable yoga pose or listen to an uplifting song. The goal is to come out of the room better than when you entered. You want to rejoin your kid(s) again feeling refreshed and ready to play.

Find Time To Workout

A little science is behind this suggestion. Working out reduces levels of cortisol and adrenaline. While, increasing your levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These increased hormones give us a sense of happiness and calmness. I call them happy hormones. I know, for me, getting the desire and motivation to work out is hard, especially when I could be doing numerous other tasks around my house. I enjoy going for walks with friends or family. Finding a place where you can walk while your kids can play is a win for everyone.

All you need is 15 minutes of activity that raises your heart rate to get the calming effects of the increased happy hormones running through your body. Exercise is a great way to stay calm and manage your physical health. (experts also recommend exercising)

What The Professionals Suggest

Stress is common. The way individuals handle is unique to them. Psychologists recommend countless options, though, as a parent, time is limited. These are a few options that could be done promptly or while being around children.

Use a “grounding” object. Grounding objects can include a stress ball, playing with play-doh, or stone.

Have a support group/person. Have someone to call and help calm emotions or have a lighthearted conversation can reduce stress.

Keep a journal to write down feelings. Writing is something that can be done digitally or with a traditional journal.

Drink water. Water can impact an immediate effect on your mood. Take time sipping the water, think about how you are feeling.

Inspirational or spiritual reading can bring comfort. As well as motivational quotes, stories, prayer are good options to center your emotions.

Benefit of Stress

Take some good with the bad. Stress benefits us in a way we likely never imagined. Stress can make us more resilient to major stressors. Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., brings up how exposure to stress can help us manage and protect us from stress in future events in her book The Stress-Proof Brain.

You Got This

Managing stress is different for everyone. Some are lucky enough where stress does not get to affect them. Though, start taking one step at a time when it comes to trying to calm down and come back to parenting relaxed-ish. Take time for yourself, workout to help release those happy hormones, step away for a bit, or take advice from psychologists. Whatever you do to maintain your stress is beneficial to you and your offspring.