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Parenting Skills-25

Sherri Smith

Coping With the Stress of Parenting

If you have raised or are raising children you are already aware of the stress parenting places on you as a mother or father. Sure, you have read about relieving stress as a parent and have taken the advice seriously. Did you realize you could relieve stress with the help of your child? You can spend time alone trying to relieve stress in your life or you can engage your children. There are many fun activities you can do with your children to relieve stress and help you and your children to bond in a special way.

Parenting can be stressful and cause depression. If you are a parent, you need to have ways of relieving the stress of parenting and aid in staying healthy both physically and mentally. Relieving stress on your own can be wonderful, but if you can enjoy time with your children while you do that, what can be better? Here are some fun things you can do with your children.

You know your children love to draw and color. It can be a good thing to let them express themselves but it can be helpful for you to express yourself as well. If you are feeling stressed, the children are cranky and you need some relief, grab some drawing pencils, crack open a box of new crayons, or scrounge in the cupboard until you find the old ratty pack of crayons and draw! You can express your feelings and so can your children. You may find a masterpiece! Even if you don't create a fine painting, you can have fun and ease tension. Another benefit for you is your children have fun with their parents.

Another great way to release tension is take a walk! Your children can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and scenery and you can talk to them as you are getting your exercise. Push a stroller or if your children are older, take a bike ride with them. There are great benefits to being outside in the open air and sunshine and walking is a great way to relieve stress and have the added benefits physical exercise can give you. Here is a little hint for the little ones; if they are not good at sitting still, fill a small cup with cheerios and let them snack while you are walking.

I'll confess that I love blowing bubbles! Every spring I make a trip to a place where I can pick up a new supply of bubbles and bubble blowers. Children love bubbles and have if you have seen the look of joy in their faces when they learn to get that bubble into the air you know happiness too. Blowing bubbles can take your mind off what is bothering and your older children can have fun racing after the bubbles to pop them.

Another great reliever of stress is music. Listening to music can soothe emotions and relieve stress. Listening to music you all enjoy, singing along with a CD, or dancing to the music can be great stress relievers. You don't have to know how to dance, just jump around and enjoy the moves your body is making. Laugh with your children, at your self, and with them. You can adjust the music to be adaptable to what mood you want to create. Quiet music is great for relaxation and preparing for sleep, or fun, bouncy music for fun and happy moments.