When Overload Strikes: 3 Tips to Get Parents Through It

The other day, I was so tired I just couldn’t get out of bed. I knew I really needed to get going because I had to wash my hair before work and get myself ready before getting my kids up to take my daughter to preschool. But I just couldn't move. And then, I heard those little footsteps coming down the hallway….  

Sh$t!!  

After spending several minutes cuddling, I hurried into the shower while my husband got breakfast ready. The rest of the morning was a rush and I tried to throw lunches together and make sure kids were dressed and hair was combed (who am I kidding, even when her hair is combed my daughter's hair still looks like a hot mess...thank you curls!!)  

I heard myself yelling, “Get your shoes on!" “Put your toys back in your room before someone trips!” “Wash your face!”  --All things that on most occasions is a lot to expect from my 3-year-old but when I’m running late somehow I imagine they will be able to do things they don’t usually do without some assistance.  

Yet still, I find myself getting frustrated.

Do you ever notice that the more stressed out you get or the less time you have to get something done, the more upset or more challenging your baby’s or child’s behavior can be?

It is so common for me to hear from parents about their frustration that when they are having a tough day, their baby seems to be more needy. Or cries more. Or that it is even more difficult to get them to take a nap, or the nap is not as long as it should be.  

There are several different studies that show our stress levels do impact our children's moods and development including this one about moms and this one about dads.  

Now, believe me I am so NOT sharing this with you to make you feel bad or stressed out (because, believe me, I know you can do that all on your own). What I want to reinforce here just how important it is for you take time to take care of yourself. And, do it without any guilt--please--because our children actually need us to do this.

There are THREE simple, but crucial (and, dare I say, life-changing!) ways we can do this:

1. Make sure you are getting the sleep and rest you need.  

Do you have a newborn or a toddler that doesn’t stay in their bed and it seems impossible? How can you coordinate with your partner to switch off nights? Can you have a friend or family member come over during the day to help you get a nap? And even if you’re not able to sleep while the baby is sleeping during the day. Laying down and resting without scanning your phone can do wonders as well. The laundry can wait, trust me.

2. Take time away from your family to recharge your batteries or refill your cup.

What do you like to do that makes you feel good? Maybe it’s a book club with friends, playing in a recreational sports league, or going to a spa for a mani-pedi all by yourself? Whatever it is that makes you feel good better enables you to be more present for your family. Would you believe me if I told you your family needs you to do this just as much as you do? When you get time away, it allows you to be more fully present when you return. Remind yourself of this when the guilt creeps in.

3. Just breathe. (No, seriously.)  

Sometimes in the moment, it feels like the world is crashing down on us. That is when it is so important to take a deep breath--or several. I talk with my clients about having a practice of doing deep breathing exercises. There are several different types out there and this is one of my favorites to start. Ideally, if you can practice doing the deep breathing exercises before you get out of bed in the morning, around lunchtime, and then when you lay down to go to bed at night. It makes it easier to access this technique in your emotional toolkit when you find yourself in one of those moments where everything feels like it's too much. Bonus: You can also model deep breathing with your toddler or older child when they get overwhelmed or are having difficulty regulating their emotions.

Is your crazy busy life filling you up?

(Or weighting you down?)

Join Calm By Design

Subscribe

Sign up to get the latest weekly blogs sent straight to your inbox