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Six
Tips for Less-Stress Parenting
By Paula Statman, M.S.S.W.
www.kidwisecorner.com
Nobody ever said parenting was easy, but here are some practical tips for how
to worry less and enjoy parenting more.
1. Find a pediatrician you like. In many ways, your pediatrician is like a
partner. In fact, some women say that during the first couple of years, they
talked to their pediatrician more than their husbands! Choose a pediatrician who
offers practical advice and knows how to listen. Remember, there are no dumb
questions when it’s about your child. Also, it is a good idea to interview
several pediatricians and choose the one that best matches your childcare
philosophies.
2. Incorporate time-saving products and services into your daily routine, when
you can. Without a doubt, parenting is one of the richest and most satisfying
roles we play. It is also filled with repetitive, routine tasks that can zap our
best energy. There has been an explosion of modern conveniences designed to save
you time and sanity. For example, tear-free shampoos can help avoid bath-time
battles; home-cooked meal delivery services ensure a nutritious dinner on the
table. Of course, some of these luxuries may not fit in your budget, but decide
where it makes sense to invest a little money to gain some time to do things
that matter to you. Who said busy moms can’t read a book, take a long leisurely
bath, or go to a yoga class? Balance each day to include something you enjoy.
Time saving tools can help.
3. Plan ahead for tomorrow. To make your morning less hectic, spend a few
minutes at night making tomorrow’s bottles and cups, picking out clothes,
packing an “on the go” bag, etc. Make a to-do list so you don’t forget important
errands. If your children are in pre school or older, let them participate in
this routine. In the course of managing your time well, you are teaching them
valuable skills such as planning ahead, organizing, and problem solving.
4. Establish a predictable night-time routine and create comforting rituals.
Reading, singing or a warm bath at the same time each night will help your child
understand it is time to go to sleep. Let your child use a safe comfort object
to provide security. Keep an “open door” policy to make your child feel
connected to you at night. The cuddling and intimacy of your evening routine
will help your child say good bye until morning as well as create precious
memories for you. With older children past the “read-me-a-story” stage, take a
few minutes to relax with them. Most importantly, before you leave their room,
tell them how much you love them and how glad you are that they are yours…no
matter what kind of day it’s been.
5. Avoid power struggles. Children don’t want to interrupt their playtime to do
something we care about, like putting toys away. Help your child cooperate with
you by easing into transitions with plenty of notice, by allowing them to make
choices (“Do you want to put this sock on first or the other one?”) and by
turning routine tasks like getting dressed into games and contests. You may not
want to see the world through your child’s eyes when you are in a hurry. But,
that extra minute you invest can mean the difference between a temper tantrum
and a hug.
6. Play is a powerful antidote to stress. I always say, “Where there is
flexibility and forgiveness, fun’s not far behind.” Forgive yourself for the
unfolded baskets of laundry and the leftovers for dinner. Design flexible
schedules for yourself and don’t let your to-do lists push you around. Parenting
offers wonderful opportunities to rediscover and enjoy the child within you.
Playing and laughing with your children not only deepens your relationship with
them, it lightens your load and reduces your stress.
About the author:
Paula Statman, M.S.S.W. is an internationally respected educator, speaker and
award-winning author. Her practical, positive approach to raising safe and
strong children has benefited hundreds of thousands of parents. Paula is a
repeat guest on Oprah and the Today Show, has appeared on over 200 radio and
television programs, and is featured in publications such as Parents, Child,
Redbook, and USA Today.com. The founder and director KidWISE Institute, Paula
lives in Oakland, California with her husband and daughter. For more information
visit www.kidwisecorner.com
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