Tips for dealing with stress as a parent?

1. 59

   Eric Newlandposted 12 years ago

   Tips for dealing with stress as a parent?
   
   My daughter has strep throat, on top of some upheaval at work and a lot of other crap going in in my life. I find myself on edge an being sucked into pointless forum fisticuffs in spite of myself.
   
   How do you beat stress when getting away from it all is out of the question?

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2. 69

   the girlsposted 12 years ago

   Go to sleep. You need to have a good rest to be able to deal properly with what's going on around you.
   Ask somebody to take care of your daughter for the night perhaps? Her pediatrician can prescribe medication for her strep throat if it bothers her too much.

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3. 72

   debbie robertsposted 12 years ago

   Take a deep breath and step back, letting things get on top of you will stress you out even more. Make sure you are eating properly and getting as much rest as possible, even though it's easier said than done when you are caring for a sick child!!
   Try not to take your work home with you, work is work, if you work from home then give yourself set working hours and stick to them.
   Take a vitamin B complex if you are really stressed, B vitamins are vital for a healthy nervous system, so if you are lacking these vitamins it can show up as stress.
   Remember that your daughter will get better and life will get smooth again. Focus on those thoughts and I'm sure you will ride the wave and come out the other side smiling!!

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4. 69

   Rufus ramblesposted 12 years ago

   Just remember that "All things will pass". This includes illness, stress and difficult things that happen. The worst thing that you can do is get stressed about being stressed (or in my case getting anxious about being anxious). I have been learning to simply accept my feelings of anxiety or stress, detaching myself from 'trying to calm down' or 'trying to relax' and funnily enough, the anxiety just passes. I think resistance is futile and my friend gave me a useful analogy of a chinese finger toy. If you try to pull your fingers out you can't and it just gets tighter. If you relax, then it falls off naturally. It sounds like you are doing a great job as a parent and just remember - all kids eventually grow up and are more independent. Good luck!

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5. 81

   Collisaposted 12 years ago

   I can so relate to this, as a single mom of three. When I'm super stressed, I find focusing ONLY on doing the next thing in front of me helps me regain perspective. When you can forget about all the other stuff that's blowing up around you, you are better able to accomplish the one thing you're doing, and this gives you a slight sense of power. Then, you go on to the next thing, and your sense of control increases again.
   Writing lists also helps me; but lists don't help everyone. It depends on your personality type.
   I find it's easier to put the worries and stresses on hold when I intentionally give control of my life to God, in prayer. That way, I know he's got my back.
   Blessings and peace to you. You and your daughter are not alone.
   Oh yes - take the B complex vitamin, for sure!

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6. 39

   ChristinSposted 12 years ago

   Make sure you are eating right (sugar and other junk food can compound feelings of stress etc) and try some deep breathing exercises.  Go away from the forums for awhile and look at something funny or relaxing like cute kittens or something lol - anything that makes you smile or that you find funny.  Laughter is sometimes the best medicine.  I feel for you - my kids had nasty viruses for a couple of weeks as one would get better the next one went down and then I was sick too - bleh~ hang in there

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7. 70

   twosevenposted 12 years ago

   I agree with all the great answers so far.  Definitely keeping the perspective that this too shall pass can help so much.  Imagine when your daughter is graduating from high school, or college, and what you will remember - it will be all the great times, not these difficult moments.  Or you will be able to look back at them with relief and, best of all, distance! 
   
   Definitely agree with getting as much sleep as possible - sacrifice anything you can, like laundry, dishes, cooking, until you feel a little better.
   
   I also agree with eating well, but I also have to say that a well-time piece of dark chocolate can definitely help me when I'm feeling under a lot of stress!

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8. 59

   OldSkoolFoolposted 12 years ago

   Try taking the longer route home from the office. Enjoy a longer than usual shower time, try taking a bath instead. Do something that stimulates you, like a hobby! Making time for yourself to get in your zen could be the answer!

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9. 58

   toys-everywhereposted 12 years ago

   It may be only that I am a music junkie, but music helps me a lot...although I am an older sibling, through my father's absences for work most of the time, I've become something of a parent/guardian, and know that it can be VERY stressful. Usually though, I just have to take things one step at a time, and remember that things always get worse before they can get better!

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10. 59

    lizzieBooposted 12 years ago

    Horse tranquilisers. Or don't get into an online discussion about religion.
    No but seriously, Bach's rescue Remedy.

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11. 57

    kdawsonposted 12 years ago

    Don't make a big deal out of minor things or don't sweat the small shit.  Don't expect children to act or think like adults.  They are in their own reality and you have to deal with this.

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