Tips for De-stressing - Because Parenting CAN be Stressful!

So, raise your hand if you are parent. Now, raise your hand if you, at times, find parenting to be stressful. Yep, that's what I thought. I'm sure every single one of you has your hand up. Parenting IS stressful at times, and it has nothing to do with not loving or caring for our children, or not wanting to be a parent.

Let's face it. We love our kids. We want to do everything in our power to give our kids everything they need and then some. We bend over backwards to get them from one activity to another; we money crunch to buy them that new gift for their birthday that they have been longing after; we take the time out of our busy days and lives to talk with them, spend time with them, and be close to them. We love our kids. We love being parents. But......all that love, all that time, and all that money crunching can sometimes be very stressful. And guess what? Stressed out parents can negatively effect our children's attitudes, behaviors, and general morale. So, parents, here are some tips for de-stressing and some resources for learning more:

Remember, as a parent, you need lots of sleep. So do your best to get 8 hours of sleep each night. Eating healthy will also help you to feel better and help you sleep better.

Take walks, whether early in the morning before your day gets started or during the day over lunch. Even just 10 minutes of walking a day is great. Walking will help you to relax, calming your mind while stimulating relaxation. You can also try exercises like yoga or stretching.

Some helpful tips for keeping from stressing over household situations can include being well organized and structuring your day. This doesn't mean taking on a military lifestyle, but instead having a plan in place for what you need to accomplish. Set goals for the day that you know are attainable.  An orderly lifestyle will help to keep you stress free. Also, make a budget and stick to it. If you know how your money is being spent, you will better be able to keep track of it and help your kids learn how to spend money wisely as well.

Other de-stressers can be as simple as soaking in a warm bath while your kids are at school. Listen to music that you enjoy while you are driving, cleaning, doing dishes and laundry or other household chores. Calling a close friend or relative to chit-chat with about your parenting stress and exchange ideas. It can also be helpful to join a mom's or dad's group, where the group can share parenting tips, challenges, and ideas. Being connected with other parents, who all have some type of parenting stress, can be the best way to rid yourself of stress.

All of these tips and more can be found at: http://www.baby-toddler-parenting-stepping-stones.com/parent-de-stressing.html

Additionally, here is another great website on helping parents to cope with stress and strategies for success: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Parenting_coping_with_stress

Remember, it is normal to feel stressed about parenting issues. No parent is stress-free all the time. However, take the time to take care of yourself and practice good actions that will help you to be more stress free. Enjoy the week and enjoy your kids!