COPING WITH PARENTING STRESSES

Parenting is one of life's most rewarding and also most challenging experiences. Let's look at ways to manage when you feel overwhelmed.

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If you have noticed that you are quick to reach boiling point and you react in an excessive way when your children misbehave, and have even been told that you're overreacting, this can be a strong sign that you need to consider making some changes. Here are some tips to see if you overreact, and suggestions as to what you can do about it.

BEING SELF-AWARE

Parenting is tough work! It can be exhausting and demanding. Having a child is a rollercoaster and it's normal to experience moments where you feel overwhelmed. From the moment your little one is born, you are always 'on', responsible for figuring out the many challenges that come with each new stage in their growing up. Don't worry if you find it hard at times - you are not alone in struggling to cope with parenting stress! However, it's important to manage any negative feelings like anger and frustration so that you enjoy your role as parent and maintain a safe, positive environment for your child.

WHAT DOES PARENTING STRESS LOOK LIKE?

Here are some common ways stress can appear for parents:

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting

• Feeling irritable, losing patience more frequently

• Inability to stop worrying about your children

• Feeling guilt or fear over not doing enough or the right thing

• Doubt over your abilities as a parent

• Feeling distressed over a lack of resources to cope

COVID-19 AND PARENTING

COVID-19 has presented parents with a new level of challenge. Over the past couple of years, we have all had to adjust to the uncertainty of a pandemic and the isolation that comes with it.