Parenting can be one of the most fulfilling jobs on the planet, but it can also be one of the most stressful. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some ways that you can enjoy stress-free parenting. If you’re looking for a child development center that you can trust, then be sure to contact Growing Room in Bonita Springs to learn about the programs we offer for children of all ages, including infants!
Prioritize Self-Care
Sometimes the thing that parents need most is the thing they get the least — sleep. A good night of rest can make the difference between having deep reserves of patience and flying off the handle. Daily stresses can be amplified when you are not getting good sleep on a regular basis.
Make sleep a priority by letting go of some other things for now. Once you are able to get consistently good sleep, you can begin to add back in the items that you had let go. You can also start to look for other ways to take care of yourself such as exercise or spending some kid-free time with friends.
Use Your Village
If you live near your parents or in-laws, then make sure you take advantage of the help that they can offer you. Many parents don’t live near extended family, as they live wherever their jobs have taken them. If this is your situation, then it is important to find other parents with children of similar ages so that you can start building your village. Having other adults that can commiserate with you and understand what you’re dealing with can be a huge support during some of the more stressful times of parenting. Additionally, you may even be able to exchange babysitting so that date nights can be more common.
Strive for Progress, Not Perfection
If you’ve been a parent for any amount of time, then you are probably well aware of those parents who seem to be perfect, have the perfect children, and an otherwise perfect life. Let us burst that bubble for you by letting you in on a secret — they’re not perfect!
As a parent, your primary job is to make sure that you are taking care of your children and providing for their needs, not trying to maintain an immaculate home. If you’re struggling with trying to reach parenting perfection, then you need to stop and take a breath or three. Evaluate the standards that you’ve set for yourself and see if they are realistic. If they are, then you can trust that you are doing a great job already!
Enjoy Being a Kid with Your Kids
From laundry and dishes to carpool and meal times, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of being a stressed-out parent. It’s important to take time to let yourself be a kid and play with your children. Whether you set out finger paints, splash in the pool, or build with LEGOS®, you will be able to lose yourself in the moment, connect with your child, and avoid grown-up responsibilities for a bit.
Pick Your Battles
No matter what age your child is, there will be times that life can feel like a series of battles. There are important things that you shouldn’t budge on, such as eating vegetables, wearing proper clothing for the season, and getting plenty of sleep. On the other hand there are things that are truly unimportant, including luxury vacations, professional photographs, and name-brand clothing. Decide which things are important in your family and focus your efforts on maintaining those standards.
Create Kid-Free Time
Loving your children and being a good parent does not mean that every waking minute should be spent in their company. In fact, you need to be able to enjoy quality time with other adults, so that you can recharge and continue being a good parent. Decide what works best for your schedule and then make regular times to hang out in a kid-free zone with other adults. You’ll be amazed at how much your level of patience has refilled after a short break from your children.
Find a Child Development Center You Trust
Some parents are able to stay home with their children when they are younger, while others must return to work at the end of their maternity or paternity leave. If you work outside the home, then it is very important to find a child development center that is conveniently accessible, affordable, and that you trust to take care of your child. One of the greatest stressors for parents is trying to find someone they completely trust to take care of their children when they are unable to.
At Growing Room in Bonita Springs, our staff is fully-licensed to provide the specific type of child care you need. We are able to care for children from infancy through elementary school, and we are happy to provide a free tour so that you can see all that our facility has to offer. Ditch the parenting stress with our helpful tips, and contact Growing Room in Bonita Springs to schedule your tour today!
