You're Not Alone - 4 Ways to Cope With Parenting Stress
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have. However, it can also be the most stressful. Not only are you in charge of the physical well-being of another person, but you have the responsibility of raising them the “right” way. That might look different for everyone, but it can put a lot of pressure on your shoulders.
On top of that, there’s no denying that you’ll experience difficult days with your kids. They won’t always be well-behaved. They will challenge you. You’ll feel tired and burnt out. If you don’t take the time to cope with that stress properly, it could start to take a toll on your mental health.
The good news? You’re not the only one going through it. Even when you feel alone and isolated as a parent, take comfort in knowing you’re doing your best and the stress you’re feeling isn’t uncommon. It also doesn’t have to take over your life. Let’s look at a few ways you can cope with parenting stress.
1. Don’t Ignore It
As a parent, it’s “normal” to put your stress and your feelings aside for the sake of your kids. Maybe you think you don’t have time to deal with it. Maybe it’s not your top priority. Unfortunately, it won’t go away on its own. Emotions always demand to be felt. While you might be able to push things down for a while, they won’t stay there for long, and you’ll eventually have to deal with the repercussions of repression. Acknowledge your stress and where it’s coming from. Once you do that, you’ll be able to take active steps toward combatting it, and you won’t feel the building pressure that comes from ignoring it.
2. Practice Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t always come easily to parents. Again, you might think you should always put your kids first. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you aren’t taking care of yourself—mentally and physically—you won’t be able to care for your kids how you truly want to. With that in mind, prioritize your well-being as often as possible. Do at least one thing every day that helps to reduce your stress, and establish a routine that includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising.
3. Find Opportunities for Fun
Parenting is a huge responsibility. Between busy schedules, getting kids to school, and ensuring they have everything they need, you might feel like there’s no time to enjoy the journey. Make time. The responsibilities will always be there. Yes, things will be challenging and stressful some days. While you shouldn’t ignore the things you have to do, it’s just as important to make time for fun with your children. Enjoy the journey of them growing up before your eyes. When you choose to relax a bit and put off some responsibilities for later, you’ll learn more about your children and yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Lean On Your Support System
Remember, you’re not alone in what you’re going through. There are people in your life who can help, including your partner/spouse, family members, and friends. If you don’t necessarily need practical help, consider reaching out for someone to talk to. There are parent groups all over the world that can make a difference in your life. Technology makes connecting with people going through the same situations easier than ever.
If parenting, or other areas of life, have started to take a toll on your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Feel free to contact me if you’re struggling with parenting stress to lear more about how parenting counseling can help you. Together, we’ll work on even more skills you can use to cope and talk about how you can overcome that stress each day.