Photo by Sarah Chai
Being a parent brings forth many blessings and challenges. Are you the type of person that easily panics? If so, it may be important to learn some techniques to help stay calm and relaxed. You are in control, so you must act calmly and set a good example. If you panic, everyone else will panic and it could make any situation worse.
This guide can help you to be a calm parent.
Assess and address
Sickness is common with kids of all ages. The best thing you can do when your child is sick is stay calm and breathe. Your child will mimic your breathing becoming calm if you are calm and panicking if you are. In most cases, symptoms are normal and nothing to worry about.
For example, if your toddler has red cheeks, it’s nothing to panic about. This can happen due to being outside in the cold or some common skin issues. All of which can be sorted and easily managed. To know if it requires a doctor’s call: check for other symptoms too: fever, rash worsening, cough, etc. Taking them to see a doctor will guarantee to get them the help you both need. Reducing fear and anxiety while assessing and addressing the issue.
Don’t bring outside stress home
It is good to take care of yourself when you are stressed. You might not be stressed due to work, the holidays, or external family matters. If this happens, try to reduce your stress before coming home.
There are many ways to take better care of yourself. If you experience a stressful situation, step away from it (even if it is just a bathroom break) and try some management techniques including:
- Singing
- Meditation
- Walking
- Journaling
- Getting fresh air
- Breathing techniques
Count to 7: Don’t act on impulse
Acting on impulse can heighten stress and make you speak or act in a way you wish you didn’t. Whether your child, partner, or something at home stresses you out, it is best to step away for a few minutes to calm down before reacting. If you cannot step away simply count to seven before responding.
If you react fast, without thinking, you could make the situation a lot worse than it needs to be. You can be a lot calmer as a parent if you remember to cool down. Calm parenting is always going to benefit your relationships and your household.
Become a good listener
As a parent, it is good to know how to listen. Most problems can be solved by listening fully and allowing the other person to vent. Once the venting is over you can work on solving problems together, if needed. This works for both adults and children.
Tune in to your body
One of the best things you can do is to tune in to your body. It can take seconds or minutes, but it will make a world of difference.
If you stop and assess how your mind and body feel, you can identify and understand what emotion it is dealing with. Different emotions require different coping techniques. When you can understand what your mind and body are dealing with, you’ll know how to manage it and return to a calm state. Once you can identify the emotion and trigger then you can address it. For example, if you are angry about an accident at home or in the office, you might be better off stepping outside away from everyone and walking before addressing the issue.
We hope by using some of these suggestions, you can develop some skills and become a calmer parent.