Parenting is the most rewarding job in the world. But, it can also be the most stressful. If there are days when you feel completely overwhelmed by your kids’ schedule or just the responsibilities in front of you, you’re not alone.
It doesn’t make you a bad parent, and it doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. Chances are, it actually means you’re doing a great job.
But, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking on the responsibilities of parenting without knowing how to cope with the stress it causes will lead to burnout. You won’t be able to be the kind of parent you want to be to your children, and you might be so overwhelmed by stress that you can’t enjoy other aspects of life.
So, what can you do to cope with the stress of parenting? How can you fill your cup?
Practice Self-Care
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to cope with parenting stress is to prioritize taking care of yourself. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
It also doesn’t have to be something lavish or expensive. Things like getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and eating a healthy diet are all forms of self-care. If you want to take things one step further, designate one evening a week to do something for yourself. That might include going on a date with your spouse or partner, taking a long bath, or going out with friends for a fun dinner.
Small acts of self-care can do great things for your mental well-being. Things like mindfulness, journaling, and meditation are easy, quick ways to take care of your mental health that you can do every day.
Ask for Help
As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
Lean on your support system — not just when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but regularly. Ask your partner to share in more responsibilities, or consider going over your schedules to determine what both of you can do to make things less stressful.
If you’re a single parent, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from family members, friends, and other parents. Everyone knows how hard it can be to raise kids and juggle things on your own. Even if you need help with things like laundry or getting groceries, you’re likely to find the people who care about you are more than willing to jump in and offer their support.
Don’t Lose Your Identity
Often, when people become parents, their entire world becomes wrapped up in that identity. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s okay for your kids to be the biggest part of your world!
But, you don’t have to sacrifice who you are just because you’re a parent. Take the time to enjoy hobbies. Take a class. Re-center your values. Decide who you want to be and what you want to do. Recognizing that you’re still “you” can make a big difference in how you feel.
Talk to a Professional
Not only should you reach out for help when it comes to taking care of your kids, but it’s also a good idea to reach out for yourself, too.
Parenting doesn’t necessarily get any easier over time. Some people might have a less stressful time than others. But, if you let that stress start to overwhelm you, it could lead to things like anxiety or depression.
Don’t let things get that far before reaching out for help. Therapy can help you identify the true sources of your stress. It can also help you learn techniques to manage it effectively. So, you can be the kind of parent you really want to be while maintaining your identity and living for the moment. Contact Us for more information or to get started today.