You love your children to the moon and back, but there are parenting moments that can frustrate even the most patient people. Those moments are a normal part of parenting tiny humans. In the midst of a hectic daily life, it’s easy to feel distracted and stressed out. But finding a few quiet moments each day to unplug, focus on the positive and connect with your family can change your outlook and help you recharge.
How to handle stress
Reducing stress is an important skill for a parent to learn. It’s our job to care for our children and one important way to do that is to model responsible ways of handling stress. Children imitate what they see on a daily basis. Make sure you provide them with the best example you can. Parents can reduce stress in different ways. Try some of these stress reducers including the following:
- Regroup — When you are really stressed, your first mission is to calm down so you can think clearly. Make sure your children are in a safe and secure place, and then give yourself some time alone to calm down.
- Breathe — While you are alone, take some deep breaths and concentrate on relaxing your shoulders as you breathe out the stress (it can help to picture that in your mind). Breathe in to a count of five and breathe out to a count of 10.
- Plan — Now that you are calming down, you will be able to think more clearly. Make a plan on how to deal with the situation that is causing you stress. Think of multiple solutions so you have a back-up plan.
- Ask — There is always someone who is willing to help, so ask for it. If you need to have some time just for you, ask a family member, friend or child care provider to watch your little ones. Ask for help with transporting kids to activities, home or work.
- Do — Focus on the positive or find the positive in your situation. Taking time to be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life can really help lessen your frustration and regain perspective.
- Tell — Communicate with your family. If you need more help from your spouse or children to get chores done, let them know. Listen to their needs too. If you all work together, you will reduce stress while making your family stronger.
Sometimes a positive outlook, gratitude, and breathing techniques aren’t enough. If you are struggling with stress, you can always reach out to your installation Family Advocacy Program for more tips on reducing stress and assistance with maintaining the health and strength of your family relationships. For more information on parenting, visit Military OneSource.