Describes many ways to successfully cope with the stress parenting. Suggestions include joining a parenting group, excerising, and getting out for toddler social activities.
Parenting can be a lot of work! It can also be a lot of stress. You can really
begin to miss all of the free time you had in your life, before you had children.
As a parent, you will need frequent breaks from your children so you don't begin
resenting them. Luckily, there are many ways you can cope with the stress of parenthood:
Join a parent group so you can discuss the challenges of
parenting with other parents. There you will get tips to deal
with these challenges.
Join a babysitting cooperative where you can take turns
with other parents for childcare.
Mother's Morning Out and Tot Gymnastics are other
groups that are good for social support.
Join a church, synagogue, or temple, and enjoy the
benefits of a membership in a new group. There you can get to
know other parents with children.
Get a babysitter so you can have alone time with your spouse
or partner in the house, or make regular dates. Designate one or two
nights a week as "mom and dad's night out".
If your child attends daycare while you work, take a few minutes by
yourself before picking your child up each day.
Take advantage of on-site daycare at the gym so you can take a break
and exercise at the same time.
Seek out family or pastoral counseling to find other ways to reduce your stress.
