Practical Tips for Every Parent

Parenting is a love and growth journey, but it also has plenty of stress that usually arises along the way. It's totally understandable to feel overwhelmed now and then with parenting and day-to-day demands and pressures! Parenting stress is normal, but taking the time to learn how to manage parenting stress is a catalytic step you can take to help you deal with the highs and lows of each day with a little more ease and positivity.

What are the causes of parenting stress?

Before we look at how to manage stress, it is helpful and important to be aware of things associated with parenting that can be tough, and what some of the common, typical stressors are that parents experience:

• Time Management: With work, family, and personal time, trying to balance everything can feel like an impossibility.

• Sleep Deprivation: Parents of infants, toddlers, or kids can have their schedules impacted by their child's sleep patterns, and parents can feel tired, moody, and irritable.

• Total Financial Loss: Raising kids has a monetary value, every activity comes with a financial commitment, and there is ongoing pressure to 'save' in a current financial situation for future colleges, education costs.

• Feelings of Other's Expectations: Parents experience unnecessary stress when they want to do it "perfect" (whatever perfect is) and they create stress by comparing themselves to another parent, and then feel competing self-doubt.

By understanding your stressors, you can be aware if identified stressors affect you or your parenting style and then identify more targeted ways to help manage things. Here are some actionable strategies to learn how to manage parenting stress and re-establish a balanced family lifestyle.

1. Practice Self-Care and Make Time for Yourself

One of the best things that you can do to reduce parenting stress is give yourself relief by taking care of yourself (i.e. self-care). It is so easy to forget about your needs, but taking a little time to care for yourself will allow you to be a better parent and more resilient parent. Here are a few suggestions:

• Schedule “Me Time”: Find little times throughout the day, even for a few minutes, to give yourself a break from everything. Take a max of 10–15 minutes for a quick break or to have some quiet time.

• Indulge in a Hobby: Enjoy hobbies or any passions that you appreciate. Did you always want to read that book, finish that drawing, or take a walk – but maybe guilt (for being a parent) got the best of you? WELL DO IT!

• Get Exercise: Physical activity has been known to decrease stress and it helps improve mood. When you exercise, your heart releases endorphins, or feel-good – happy-hormone. A simple walk, or a few stretches can help.

• Self-care is not selfish: Taking the time you need to care for yourself provides you with the patience and energy to better be present for your children.

2. Set Realistic Expectations and Let Go of Perfectionism

A lot of parents stress out over high standards or comparing themselves to others' parenting situations. In order to mitigate parenting stress we need to have realistic expectations. Here are some tips for developing realistic expectations for your parenthood experience:

• Put Progress Over Perfection: Parenting is a journey. There is no “perfect” way to raise a child and every family navigates it differently.

• Stop Comparing: Keep in mind that a family’s parenting experience is theirs. If you’re comparing then you may only be adding stress to it and reducing your confidence.

• Have a Celebration Over Small Wins: Acknowledge the small wins that are celebrated every day. This could be something as mundane as just managing bedtime or getting through a tantrum.

By having realistic plans and being gentle to ourselves we may remove a lot of unnecessary stress to enjoy parenthood and feel more grounded.

3. Prioritize Time Management and Daily Routines

Managing a busy family schedule can be challenging, but setting a routine can help reduce stress and create a smoother day-to-day experience.

• Create a Daily Schedule: Try creating a simple daily routine that includes key activities like meals, school time, and bedtime. Routines help children feel secure and make it easier for parents to plan their day.

• Plan Downtime: Incorporate breaks and relaxation time into your schedule. Give yourself and your children some downtime to recharge.

• Organize Tasks in Advance: Plan meals, outfits, and activities in advance. Even small things like preparing lunches the night before can reduce morning stress.

Time management can make a big difference in feeling calm and organized. A daily routine benefits both you and your children, promoting a sense of stability.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques

Abiding by and applying mindfulness techniques are powerful approaches to learning how to manage parenting stress. Mindfulness techniques can keep you grounded, calm, and present.

• Breath Work: When feeling overwhelmed, use some deep breaths. Breathing exercises can provide immediate stress relief.

• Mindful Moments: Use mindfulness exercises, by being fully present when involved with your child, or while doing day to day chores and tasks.

• Gratitude Practice: Think about positive things that complement your parenting or family life. Recognizing positives through gratitude exercises can improve your overall mood.

A small amount of mindfulness for even a few minutes each day can better regulate and manage stress, and have a positive fallout on you and your family life.

5. Seek Support and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Recognizing when it's time to ask for support is one of the most effective techniques to alleviate stress. Parenting is a tough job, and asking for help when you need it is totally okay.

• Connect with Other Parents: Share stories, obstacles, or parenting strategies with other parents. It can be comforting knowing that other people are going through similar challenges.

• Reach Out to Your Family and Friends: If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to family or friends for some support, whether it's for advice, babysitting, or a listening ear.

• Ask for Professional Help if Necessary: If you feel like you're at your wits' end to manage your stress with parenting, look for a counselor or therapist for support. Professional support can provide you with better ways to manage stress and create a plan for emotional health.

Establishing a support network can make a world of difference. Remember, reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.

6. Practice Patience and Focus on Positive Parenting

Parenting can be very frustrating, especially during difficult times. With positive parenting they encourage the loving and supportive way of parenting by reducing stress for you as a parent and your child.

• Respond Not React: Try to remain calm during difficult times. Before responding to difficult behavior take a minute to breathe.

• Encourage Communication: By encouraging communication, you instill a positive and trusting relationship with your child, which in turn reduces frustration.

• Praise Positive Behavior: Use the good that you see from your child and praise it. You can help create a better environment through positive reinforcement for both you and your child.

Positive parenting strengthens your bond with your child and creates a supportive experience for the whole family.

How to Handle Parenting Stress Effectively for a Happier Family Life

Managing parenting stress can take time and practice. But the time and effort spent will pay off! When we practice more self-care, expect less, create a routine that we can realistically follow, and accept help when it is needed, we can all experience less stress and more family fun and connection.

Parenting will still be difficult, but with these strategies we can deal with these challenges with better calmness and peace of mind, ultimately sustaining a healthier and happier family!