8 Tips For Overwhelmed Parents

Let's be honest, parenting is not easy. While some days may be a breeze, It can also be stressful at times. It's easy to become overwhelmed from tantrums and tears, especially if you don't find healthy ways to deal with the problem. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I want you to know that it's normal! You're not the first parent to have a difficult moment, and you certainly won't be the last. In this article we're going to discuss ways to cope with becoming overwhelmed while parenting.

1. Acknowledge that you're feeling overwhelmed.

This is not always easy to do. Some parents don't even know that they are overwhelmed. If you're feeling irritable, impatient, yelling, having constant headaches, or find yourself crying, chances are you're overwhelmed. Take a moment to recognize that you are in a space of stress and it's time to get out of it.

2. Ask for help.

For some, asking for help is usually the hardest thing to do. Let's get one thing clear, asking for help doesn't make you a bad parent. In fact, being able to recognize that you can't do it all makes you a GREAT parent. "It takes a village to raise a child" comes from an African proverb that teaches us that it's going to take more than 2 parents to raise a healthy child. If you are fortunate enough to have a village of people around you, USE IT.

3. Accept help.

After you've asked for help, be sure to accept it. What does "help" look like in your home? Do you need someone to fold laundry? Do the dishes need cleaning? Do you need someone to watch the baby while you take a shower? After you've identified what help looks like for you, be sure to be vocal about it when loved ones come over. Also, remember to give them the space to actually help you. You may feel like you're being a burden, but you aren't.

4. Take a step back and breathe.

If you're at your breaking point and feel like giving up, step back, close your eyes, and take 10 slow, DEEP breaths. This does 3 things: helps you to calm down, it helps you to refocus your attention, and it helps you regain control. Repeat this until you feel like you're ready to get back in the game.

5. You can cry if you want to.

One thing I've learned since becoming a parent is that sometimes a good cry is all you need. When dealing with the stress of life, we sometimes have a lot of pinned up emotions. What happens when a pipe has too much pressure? That's right, it bursts. Relieve some of the pressure you have on yourself by crying it out. It's kind of like turning on the faucet. God gave us tear ducts for a reason. And after you've ugly-cried in the bathroom, wipe your face, look in the mirror and throw up a peace sign, lol. It's gonna be ok.

6. Go outside.

Go breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on your skin. Break out that stroller and go for a walk. This may put you and the little one in a better mood. Moving your body with moderate exercises like walking can reduce the stress hormones in your body. Go outside, even if you just walk to the mailbox.

7. Have some adult fun.

Don't lose who you are when you become a parent. Yes, the bulk of your time will go to your child in those early years, but don't forget that your life outside of being a parent matters too. Call up your best friend and go see a movie, go on a date, have a cocktail, or even take a mini vacation. Do something that reminds you that life is more than being a parent. Have fun and take care of YOU.

8. Take a nap.

This one here is self explanatory. Take a nap, you'll feel better. Trust me.