A Look in the Mirror
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Parenting has never been easy. Parenting today is a challenge. Parenting our adopted children can stretch and twist us in many different directions. But no matter how difficult the season, no matter how painful those anxious moments, or long the sleepless nights – I would rather be my daughters’ mother than not.
Life is filled with stressful moments. Life today can be overwhelming and just plain difficult. Life is confusing and sometimes chaotic. What is the impact of all this confusion on you? How does it affect your parenting? All too often it causes a parent to become even more irritable and impatient. In a relationship the emotions of one can easily trigger the emotions of another and vice versa.
So what do you do? There are three simple steps which if taken can prevent a parent’s stress from spilling over to their child.
- Be self aware
If you know that you have had a hard day it is not the time for serious, emotionally laden discussions. Delay until you are feeling better. Look in the mirror and decrease your stress first.
- Make time to play
It is all too easy to become serious and problem focused. Take steps to lighten the mood by incorporating humor and comedy. Set realistic expectations and above all laugh some.
- Take care of yourself first
Get support through a coach who understands your issues. Take steps to decrease your stress and simplify your life. Like sharpening a pencil, parents must take the time to sharpen their own skills first. By taking these steps parenting becomes much more effective and enjoyable.
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