Running a household with a couple of boisterous kids is no walk in the park. Any parent, particularly stay-at-home parents will be able to attest to that. It’s so stressful that most full-time at home parents will willingly go back to work outside the home if they have that choice. Alas, not all parents have that option. Read on to find out how these parents can cope with parental stress.
Prioritize Daily Chores
Some chores require more attention than others. So prioritize them. Preparing the kids’ meals is important, of course. So is supervising them with their homework and other activities when they get home. Other “less” important chores such as ironing their clothes, raking the leaves in the garden and washing the car can certainly take a back seat on busy days.
Plan Ahead for the Next Day
Parents who know they will have a full day the next day should prepare whatever they can in advance. Try preparing for the next morning the evening before – take the kids’ school uniforms out first, pack lunches, put laundry in the washing machine, etc.
Learn to Say “No”
Some people are too nice and just don’t have what it takes to say “no” even if that is the only right answer. When these people become parents, this handicap can increase their stress level a few times more! So garner the courage to say “no” to babysitting for a cousin, helping to cook for a big dinner, being involved in extra school projects, etc. No one will think less of a parent who already has to multi-task at home if she is not able to help.
Think before Reacting to a Situation
When stressed, many parents will snap and lose their temper easily. Before reacting to any situation, it’s best to count to 10, take a deep breath and think carefully of how to respond. It’s hard to undo the harm that comes along with saying or doing something regrettable. So keep cool for a few seconds. This can prevent a potentially explosive outburst.
Be a Good Role Model for Kids
Parents with beautiful manners often have children with beautiful manners. Children often imitate their parents. So set a good example for them to follow. Say “thank you”, “please”, “excuse me” and “sorry” when the situation warrants it. Before long, the kids will be good role models for other kids too.
Delegate Work and Responsibilities
One spouse should not have the lion’s share of housework and childcare duties. So get the significant other to help out whenever he can. Older children and trusted family and friends can help from time to time as well.
Change Only Changeable Things
There are things that can be changed and there are things that cannot be changed. A child falling sick or a day stuck at home because of bad weather is beyond anyone’s control. So there is no point fretting over them. But things like play time for kids or how to prepare the kids’ lunch can be changed and prioritized accordingly. So concentrate on these things instead of wasting time worrying and fuming about things that cannot be changed.
Keep Family Activities as Stress-fFree as Possible
Children are not just little people. They have needs and preferences different from teens and grown-ups. So it makes sense to keep family activities appropriate to children’s ages. Toddlers and pre-schoolers won’t be able to sit quietly in a restaurant or cinema for two hours. A better option would be a trip to the playground or children’s library.
Yes, parenting is stressful. But parents can find ways to take some pressure off. Prioritizing tasks, planning ahead, knowing when to turn down requests of help from others, thinking before reacting to a situation, setting a good example for kids, sharing workload with family, being realistic about things that can and cannot be changed as well as keeping family activities according to kids’ ages are just some methods to reduce parental stress.
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