Four Tips on How to Manage Stress as a Parent

Parenting--one of the most rewarding, and one of the most stressful, jobs that someone can take on. As a parent, you want to be there for your child, and able to take on every obstacle that comes your way. But how often do you take care of yourself? It can become easy to forget about self-care as a parent, but failing to care for your needs can be damaging in the long run. So, what are ways to manage stress as a parent?

Have a Set Schedule

Having a schedule is not only incredibly beneficial for your children, it is also vital for you as a parent. Try to keep each typical day on a schedule, from wake up to bedtime. This helps you to be prepared for the day and what to expect throughout the day. Plus, having a set schedule allows you to see when you have free time during your day (which will be helpful for tip #3).

Ask for Help

Many parents have a hard time asking for help (everyone wants to be a do-it-all super parent, don’t they?). But taking on everything by yourself is not realistic, nor is it helpful. Everyone needs to ask for help at one point or another, and there is nothing wrong in doing so. If this is something difficult for you to do, think about the things that you would really want help with and start asking!

Take Time for Yourself

As a parent, it can be so easy to throw your needs out of the window and only focus on the needs of your child. However, doing this in the long-term can be detrimental to you, your relationships, and how able you are to be there for your child. Taking time to recharge is necessary as a person, especially as a parent. Looking at your schedule, find blocks of time where you are free. Schedule a block of this time for yourself, where you are able to do something that you enjoy and is relaxing for you. Check out our blog on self-care for some ideas.

Know Your Limits

You can only do so much. It can be hard to say no to things, but sometimes it is vital for your wellbeing. It is so important to know your limits before you bite off more than you can chew. Be aware of how many responsibilities you can take on and the point in which you have to start saying no to taking on more things.

Relieving Stress as a Parent

These are just four ideas for how to manage stress as a parent. If things get to be too overwhelming, having the outside support and insight from a therapist can also help. Taking care of yourself as a parent is vital for yourself and your family. Practice making self-care a priority and see how it affects your life. Again, if things become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for someone to talk to and support you.

Hudson Therapy is a Westchester county counseling practice located in White Plains, NY. Our team of therapists provide individual therapy for children, as well as teens and adults.