National Stress Awareness Day: 4 Ways to Manage Parenting Stress
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and demanding jobs. Balancing family schedules, meeting everyone’s needs, and managing every day responsibilities can feel stressful. Take National Stress Awareness Day as an invitation to pause, explore what makes you stressed, and use strategies that allow you to de-stress.
What are some signs of parenting stress?
Stress usually comes with physical and emotional signs. Some common ones to lookout for are:
Becoming more irritable or having unpredictable mood swings
Having trouble falling or staying asleep or waking up feeling unrested
Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and challenges
Having less patience and withdrawing from family or social activities
Experiencing unexplained aches, pains, and tension in the body
The first steps in managing stress are becoming aware of your stress signs and understanding what is causing them. Maybe it's the morning rush, homework battles, or financial worries. If it’s the morning rush for you, try prepping for it the night before to cut back on the amount of things that need to get done. When you can identify what stresses you out, you can better anticipate and plan for these things in the future.
How can you manage stress and burnout?
Stick to self-care rituals
Self-care can seem like a luxury, but even simple rituals can reduce stress. Find things that fit into your schedule and help you relax. This could mean waking up earlier to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace or listening to a podcast while tidying up. Consistency is more important than how much time is spent on the ritual. The goal is to build small, routine habits that give you a chance to breathe, reset, and take on each day!
Set realistic standards
This pressure to be the “perfect” or “best” parent is real! But trying to meet unrealistic standards like these can actually lead to more stress. Instead of trying to do it all, prioritize what’s most important to you and your family. It’s okay to say no to extra things and ask for help when you’re hitting your limit. Adjusting your expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards. It’s about finding a routine that’s manageable and helps you feel more in control.
Reach out for support
Parenting can feel isolating. When your kids are everything, it can sometimes feel like there is no room for anyone else. However, we all need support from friends, family, and even other parents too. Knowing that others are facing similar challenges can relieve stress and give you perspective. Find a community where you can vent, laugh, and listen to relatable stories. Reaching out for support or simply catching up with someone you love can give you an outlet to release stress.
Practice being present
Stress often comes from worrying about the future. You may be concerned about your child’s school performance, your ability to keep up, or a laundry list of other things. When you notice you are thinking way into the future, bring yourself back to the present. Try taking deep, intentional breaths for a minute when you feel stress building up. Practicing being present can help reduce stress and provide clarity in stressful moments.
Parenting stress is normal … and you can manage it. Today is a great day to acknowledge all that you are doing and feeling. Embrace simple, supportive strategies that work for you and your family will benefit from it too.
We’ve created a free Stress Management Toolkit for our community of parents. If you’re looking for more stress management tips and resources for you and your child, download the HeyKiddo App now to experience our 7-day free trial!
