Stress Free Parenting Tips

by Kelly
(Cincinati, Ohio)

Ever had one of those days where the stress just mounts up sky-high? You know what I mean - the baby won't sleep and seems to be running a low-grade fever, the bills need to be paid, the toilet is backed up again and you just found out that your spouse (who you were counting on being home in 20 minutes) has to work a double shift.

When those kinds of days happen it's easy to feel like you're going to explode. When your children are babies, it's a wonderful time, but man things can get hectic quick. It's important for parents to have some simple, healthy ways to de-stress.

Here are 3 basic, yet important tips to help parents keep their sanity during the stressful times.

Give Yourself a Time Out

So many parents try to do too many things at once. The problem with spreading yourself thin is that sooner or later something has to give. You don't want your stress levels to get so high that you end up screaming at your baby or worse. It is very easy to find yourself so stressed out that rational thoughts go out the window. During these times take a break from everything. Don't try to accomplish a thing. If the baby continues crying - so be it - if you've been trying for hours to stop the crying a few minutes of not trying is not going to hurt. Stop - take a deep breath - and just do nothing.

Exercise Time with Baby

Kids are wonderful to have around. Not only for the love they give, but they can be great workout buddies too. If you have an infant who is fussy and will not stop crying, make the most of the time. Try laying down on the floor and lifting your baby up - bench press style, while talking to him/her. Then lower baby down to your chest and give a big hug. Exercises like this will help to lower stress levels and may provide a diversion that actually gets your little one to settle down.

Round Up Some Help and Get Out of Dodge

It's important to have a support system when you're a parent. If you have a trusted family member, spouse or friend who can sit with your baby - even if it's only for an hour - take the opportunity and get out of the house. I can remember many times of high stress like this where I would get my parents to watch our son, drive to the closest supermarket parking lot, park my car and read a book for an hour. These breaks weren't long, but they helped me to lower the stress levels.

Living under too much stress for too long is counterproductive to being a good parent. Make sure that you have some positive ways to take mini-breaks from the stress to keep a level head and be the best parent you can be.