Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal formula for being the best parent. Every family is different but there are a few simple habits that make parenting easier. Tantrums, disagreements, and frustration are unavoidable, but in this quick tip episode, we discuss the 5 easy habits to control your stress and improve your mindset.
Table of contents
Yell Less
The first habit to make your life as a parent easier is to yell less. Yelling less is actually as simple as it sounds. Don’t combat tantrums with yelling to show authority; however, that hurts your relationship in the long run. Recognize your triggers of what makes you yell and when you are in a situation where you find yourself ready to yell, try and conduct yourself in a calm manner.
Communicate Clearly
The next habit is communicating clearly. Many children bottle up their emotions which can have a negative impact on their well-being. If you notice any changes in your child’s behavior, it’s important that you communicate clearly to let them know that you’re there for them. Communication is key when things seem a little off but also as a part of your daily routine. Some ways to communicate clearly with your family could be as simple as sharing 3 things you’re looking forward to before leaving for school or work. It’s important that you also share things with your children so they feel comfortable sharing with you. For example, if you feel upset or sad, or excited about something share it with them. Effective and consistent communication will help your kids feel more comfortable coming to you with their problems.
Get More Rest
The next habit is getting enough rest. To be a good parent you need to be in the right frame of mind and if you lack sleep, your concentration will decrease. You need to be prepared for anything so sticking to a regular sleep routine without distractions is key to good sleep. Many parents feel guilty when they need to rest or worry about everything they could be doing. The biggest reason why you may feel guilty about resting is because you have the wrong idea of what rest means. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, rest is a “freedom from activity or labor, a place for resting or lodging, peace of mind or spirit, something used for support.” By this definition, rest can be thought of as a means of support. Parents spend their days working to support their families, and rest is the support parents need to be able to support others. Rest can come in many forms. For example, you can take a break between working and go for a 5 minute walk, listen to an audiobook while drinking your morning coffee, take a break from your phone before bed. Think of rest as a necessity not a luxury. So, when you feel guilty resting, think about all the people who want you to show up as the best version of yourself, which cannot be done if you are running on empty. It doesn’t have to be a long rest, but incorporate a few minutes into your day.
Stay Flexible
Ground rules are great but being overly strict and having too many rules increases the likelihood they will backfire. One of the best habits is being flexible with how you handle certain situations. When something happens or your child misbehaves, listen openly to what they have to say about what happened and why they acted in the way they did. Flexibility comes when you Being flexible and coming up with a consequence together can help children feel that they are their own person and help teach them to take responsibility for their actions. According to neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez, it also minimizes the fear that children have when they know they did something wrong and it will make them more likely to be honest and discuss what happened with their parents. Dr. Hafeez says that “flexible parents are able to be more responsive to their children and view situations from different perspectives. This mindset not only makes children feel better supported but allows parents to feel less stressed when things do not go as planned.”
While parenting is said to be one of the hardest jobs in the world, it’s also the most rewarding. To ensure your kids get the best start in life, all the habits here can help you stay in control.
