As a parent it is easy to be overwhelmed. The other day I was talking to my wife and she mentioned quite a few things that were getting to be a bit overwhelming for her! We talked for a bit and it was funny to see what so easily gets us overwhelmed as parents. For my wife and I we often simply forget to do simple things that make a big difference in how overwhelmed we are.
Here are 4 ways to not be as overwhelmed, to reduce stress and to remain in control (as much as that is possible as a parent)!
Get What You Need!
This seems so obvious. We all need to get ourselves the basics on a regular basis to survive. We can’t function without proper sleep (as much as possible), nutrition, mental stimulation, and other things like drinking enough water.
My wife and I often forget to eat a meal because we are so focused on helping the kids, meeting a deadline, or trying to finish something. We have to get ourselves the basics or the lack of these things will take away from our ability to do anything. Let’s be honest, we as parents need to be operating as optimally as possible or we will get overwhelmed and everything will go downhill.
I know it is an ideal world where the kids let us do everything we want and need nothing, but you have to carve out the time for the basics for yourself. A parent that starves to death can’t help their children, or a parent that has gone insane from no time to themselves will be poor help to a kid in need. Don’t be overly selfish, but do take time for what you need to be a properly functioning parent.
Take a Big Breath and Count to 10!
Count to 10. Clear your head. Remember you are the adult. If that doesn’t work then take a big breath and count to 10 again. If that doesn’t work, go ahead and take another big breath and count a bit higher. Maybe try counting by 17’s. Perhaps we just need a little distraction now and then to not get totally overwhelmed with the situations at hand.
Sit back and Smile!
Your parents and other people that see you with your kids are jealous. They remember the good times they used to have or wish they could have. You are having them right now. It is worth the trouble. Don’t let the small things control and overwhelm you. Enjoy the good times that you have and know that they will be worth the trouble you are experiencing. The good times with your children are so much better than anything bad you have to deal with.
This is hard, but really try and focus on the joy of the moment with your kids. That infant won’t let you hold them close forever. The toddler won’t always ask you what different things mean and talk your ear off. The grade school kids will only have so many science fair projects. These are good times and you will only have them for a brief moment. Enjoy them now!
Take a Mommy or Daddy Timeout!
Lastly remember that sometimes it is okay to take a mommy or daddy timeout! You can walk away from problems at hand and collect your whits, or get control again. Put the kid in the high chair, crib or wherever they will be safe, and step away for a bit. It is funny how fast you get their attention when you do this!
Keep the Proper Perspective.
All in all just remember that the corn meal spilled on the floor, or the potty mess in the kitchen, and the endless clinging hands are only a small step in life (these were only in the last 24 hours!). There is more to come in life. I believe that most of it will be good. I also believe that we can bring good things to ourselves in life. Just like luck favors the prepared, good things come to those who make a place for them and work for them. We don’t have to let the small things wreck us!
Follow these 5 ideas and you will have less stress and not end up an overwhelmed parent!
What are you doing to not be overwhelmed as a parent? Jump in with a smile makes a difference for me!
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