10 tips for stress-less parenting

If you were to read everything and listen to everyone you will feel you are inundated with what seems a lot of potentially confusing or conflicting information about what to do or not to do.

If we enter into the domain of offering advice our biggest piece of advice would be to trust your gut instinct. Simple as that.

Yes, you can read up on the do’s and dont’s and the latest techniques and research but ultimately, you are the one who knows yourself and your baby best.

Parenting is time consuming, stressful, worrying, challenging, exhausting to name a few.

Parenting is also wonderful, heart-warming, satisfying and grounding as well.

Sometimes we seem to be at our wits ends and other times overcome with feelings of love and contentment.

It is knowing how to deal with both times, more particularly the tougher times, to be able to enjoy the whole caboodle of being a parent that is key.

A great deal of parenting is down to trusting your own instincts.

Unfortunately, in a lot of professional’s opinions there are a significant proportion of parents struggling with their parenting role.

This can be due to many factors but at the end of the day it is vital to do strategies that can support you and reduce your stresses.

If we look at that fact more closely we have devised some top tips for removing the stress and putting back the fun and enjoyment of your kids.

Bearing in mind that while it may seem that you are alone you aren’t.

No parent has a smooth stress free parenting experience.

Yes, some cope better with the challenges than others but it comes down to perception, having tools and establishing consistent boundaries and having a loving positive relationship with your kids and your partner for support.

• Stay calm. Try not to get angry (or at least try not to show that you are angry/frustrated) with their behaviour.
• Be realistic in your expectations and make them appropriate to their age and development.
• Be consistent.
• Be silly. Have fun with them. Join in with their games. Engage in their interests.
• Set boundaries and limits that are fair and consistent.
• Teach independence by giving them opportunities for them to learn new things, problem solve, and accomplish things themselves.
• Talk to them.
• Respect them.
• Show your love and affection as well as telling them how much you love and care for them.
• Pay attention and spend time with them. Stop what you are doing (as it’s not going anywhere) and take time out to do what your child is asking/seeking or if it is really important and you can’t stop what you are doing then perhaps involve the child in what you are doing.