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10 Tips for Stress-less Parenting
by
Brenda Nixon
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I once heard the
definition of stress as: anything we perceive to be out of our control. I like
that because it explains why each of us stresses over different situations. At
times, though, we all feel our kids and their behavior are out of our control.
That's why parenting is such a stressful task. It's not for the weak-hearted.
Comedian Martin Mull quipped, "Parenting is like having a bowling alley in your
head." But, I like to remember the words of Albert Einstein and relate them to
parenting; "Not everything that counts can be counted. And not everything that
can be counted - counts." This often prompts me to relax and stop fretting
about every issue in my children's lives or overestimating the importance of
their problems.
Two characters in Chinese spell the word stress; one
character means danger and the other means opportunity. I think that perfectly
explains the tension in raising kids today; it can be a hazard but it also
gives us opportunities to learn, laugh, grow, and make memories to fall back on
when they're out of the house. If you're feeling stressed about raising kids,
remember:
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· All kids can and do misbehave.
· There are no perfect kids.
· There are no perfect parents.
· Parenting is a short season of life.
· Physical affection is therapeutic; give and
receive hugs.
· See humor (somewhere)
in the situation.
· Take a break;
exercise, listen to soothing music, read a chapter in a favorite book, or enjoy
a cup of coffee.
· Talking to other
adults can ease loneliness or frustration. " Wisdom knows what to
overlook.
· Good parents practice
self-care; eat right and sleep when your kids do.
· Take comfort in knowing that the best revenge is
to live long enough to be a problem to your children. |
©Copyright,
2005, Brenda Nixon.
Brenda Nixon (www.BrendaNixon.com) is a parenting
speaker, writer, and educator. Her book, Parenting Power in the Early Years can
be ordered at Amazon.com and bookstores everywhere. She's currently writing a
book for parents on child discipline.
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