Today's parents are something of juggling and multitasking geniuses, purely because they have no other choice.
Today's parents are something of juggling and multitasking geniuses, purely because they have no other choice.
Life is so flaming busy that parents are consistently stressed out and we all know that it's not good for our health to be continuously stressed for days on end.
The good news is that we here at FamilyFriendlyHQ get the struggles and, to help, we have compiled a list of ways you can manage your stress while doing everything in between!
1. Look at your current routine and analyse what is or isn’t working
There are so many things that you might need to change to get the best out of your day. Look at the hours you spend at work, travelling and playing with the kids. Consider making dinner, cleaning the house and checking the kid’s homework too and write it all down with an approximate time for each task. It may be the case that you are doing nothing wrong but that the hours just aren’t there in the day and if this is the case you will need to get help or change something.
2. What are your busiest days and what can you do to avoid mayhem on these days?
If your kids have a full schedule in the evening and you struggle to get dinner on the table consider how you can reduce the stress. Maybe you can prepare some dinners on a Sunday or maybe spend one day a month catching up and making lasagne or soups/stews that can be frozen for busy days. Failing that, a quick salad can be appetising with some chicken from the oven or the mighty slow cooker is a great way to have a healthy dinner on the table.
3. What do you need help with?
Are you taking on too much and how can the rest of the family help you? The kids may be able to help with some light chores around the house and get your partner on track too. Stop doing everything and let people do their fair share so you aren’t overwhelmed and exhausted.
4. Take advantage of half days or shorter weeks
Each week put some time aside for yourself whether it be a swim or a walk. Take turns with your partner one week on and one week off where you are given a few hours to yourself. This will ensure you are better prepared for the busy weeks ahead.
5. Don’t take everything too seriously
If the house is untidy from Monday to Friday does it really matter? Are you having visitors? Is there a need for daily running around the house cleaning? Pick your battles and choose to be more laid-back.
Spending time with your family is vital. More than anything, if you have an hour in the evening, spend it with the kids instead of scrubbing the floors. Believe me, the kids will not care about a clean house; they will remember the love and fun you had with them as kids. Stop expecting so much of yourself and live happily and peacefully.
