Parenting is the most rewarding thing you will ever do but we have to acknowledge the fact that it is also tiring, testing and challenging.
The negative sides to parenting exist just as the positives do and while we don’t want to put down the whole parenting experience, it is good to know that all parents feel exhausted at some point - and that’s okay.
Here are some ways to manage the negative side of parenting.
Take time for you when you need it
When the kids get too much and you are feeling more than overwhelmed, it is vital that you take the time for you and escape for a few hours. If the kids have been screaming at each other all day, you deserve to have some ‘me time.’ The negativity in the house won’t do your family any good.
When you have cooled down and feel more like yourself again, make sure you sit down and chat with the kids about their behaviour. They should know that the level of misbehaviour leaves you exhausted and if they are old enough, they should understand that they’ll need to do better.
Be honest about it
Did you ever meet some parents who spend all their time going on about how good parenting is and how they are nailing it? It is great that they feel like that but in most cases, parents feel challenged at some point.
There is no need for you to have to be positive about parenting when you are feeling exhausted. Instead, be truthful and speak to friends, family and your partner who will support you. Hiding behind the beauty of parenting is silly as you need to talk and work through the negative parts of parenting. Believe us when we say that it’s easier with support from loved ones.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for some help when you need it. One of the biggest negative sides to parenting is never having alone time and feeling like a servant in your own home. Stop these feelings by asking for help, whether it be someone minding the kids for an evening so you can get dinner alone or simply go out for a few hours to have fun.
The never-ending list of things to do is a natural occurrence for busy parents and asking for help is one way to give yourself back some time and get yourself feeling back to normal. For some parents, one of the major negative effects of parenting is not getting enough sleep, so ask someone to take your kids or get them to stay over so you can hang in bed for a bit. Anything to get you back to your old self.
Take care of your relationship
This one is vital as though you and your partner are going through life happily you need to make sure you make time for one another. Many parents report losing touch with their partner once they have kids as the priorities change and they aren’t the most important person in their lives anymore.
This leaves some relationships dangling by a thread and it is good to ensure you stay connected even by watching a movie together or going for a walk. As previously mentioned, talk to one another as everyone gets scared and worries about parenting. Once you bring it up, you and your partner will know that you are in it together and though your relationship is being tested, you are going to get through it together. The negative sides of parenting exist but they can be managed.