How To Handle The Stress Of Raising Kids

Helping with homework, being present at games, going for numerous doctor appointments, making meals— just name them! These are a few responsibilities you have as a parent. Regardless of your age or experience, parenting demands can be very overwhelming. That is especially true if you’re raising toddlers or juggling your parenting duties with other responsibilities. Little wonder parental depression is a common mental health disorder among parents. This does significant damage to both parents and children. While it’s almost impossible to eliminate the stress involved in raising kids, there are a few ways to handle it. Here are some to consider. 

  1. Seek professional help

It is never advisable to ignore negative feelings you may have, such as the building up of stress or losing yourself. Understandably, you may feel your children need you more than you need yourself, but that’s no reason to watch yourself break down. Parental depression is more common than you may think and can make you less of a good parent. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel bad about putting yourself first from time to time. Fortunately, there are professional services you can use to help you. If you’re battling depression, anxiety, or addiction, for example, you can visit a rehab center near you that offers professional help to overcome these issues. You can also consult a reputable therapist.

  1. Create a support system

If you aren’t prepared to seek professional help, you can find ways to create a support system that includes the people you love and trust. They could be family members, friends, loved ones, colleagues, or trusted neighbors. The most important thing is that you are surrounded by reliable people willing to take some of the parental load off your shoulders. So make a list of people you believe can assist you and what kind of assistance you think they can offer. Next, contact them and let them know you need their help. If you have no one you feel you can trust, try looking for clubs or associations near you dedicated to assisting parents, and join them. 

  1. Find time to relax and recharge

With the help of your support system, you can make time to relax and recharge. Be sure to make time for yourself every day, whether it’s a few minutes to grab a nap or read a book. Simply take the time to do things you enjoy. There is no reason to feel bad! You’ve earned it. 

  1. Give yourself space to express how you feel

Sometimes, all you need is someone to talk to and let out pent-up emotions you’ve suppressed. But you may not always have a listening ear available whenever you need one. Fortunately, another way you can get let go is by writing. Studies have shown that writing can help relieve or ease stress by combating intrusive and negative thoughts. Writing down your thoughts, fears, challenges, etc., is good for your mental health, as it gives you better control over your emotions and makes it easier to let go of negative thoughts.  

Enjoy every minute being a mom and continue to inspire your kids!

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Jodi Carlson is a mother of 2 children, wife, and a full time product owner at a large Insurance company. She is a mom just trying to juggle a full-time job with a family life. She shares countless tips and tricks of things she has experienced first hand with her kids. As she continues to guide and teach them to become caring, sensible and responsible human beings, all while working a full time job, maintaining a home and some how still allowing for some personal time and growth. Are you a Girl Scout Leader? Along with Mom Connecting Moms, she shares her 25+ years of Girl Scout experience over at Leader Connecting Leaders , there she shares ideas and resources to help leaders who are inspiring girl leaders of tomorrow plan their troop meetings. Check out Leader Connecting Leaders .