It's Okay to Cope with the Stress of Parenthood

Being a parent (especially a new parent) is one of the most important responsibilities in life. Having a little human relying on you for everything is quite the task, but the lifelong connection and unconditional love make it all worth the effort! Parenthood is wonderful, but it can also be tiring, expensive, confusing, and of course, stressful. That doesn’t mean we love our children any less, but the process of caring for them, especially during stressful times, can take its toll. This is particularly true if you feel sleep deprived or if you're trying to do it all alone. So don't feel bad if you’re struggling. Talking to someone you can trust (like a friend or professional) can work wonders. Or maybe you just need to implement some self-care to get yourself back on track. You can find even more simple suggestions to help alleviate the stresses of parenthood in this post, so read on for more tips!

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Work On Your Wellness

'You can't take care of your child if you don't take care of yourself.' Have you heard that said before? Simply stated, a parent who doesn’t practice self-care ultimately cannot care for their child very well. Remind yourself of this so you won’t feel the dreaded 'parent guilt' about taking breaks or giving yourself time to decompress. This might involve meditating, investing in a reading corner or relaxing in the bath with some CBD oil. Or you could try taking a nap when you lay your newborn down to sleep, finding a sitter so you can enjoy an evening out, or starting a new hobby like drawing or coloring. These little things make a big difference and help refresh your sense of self and perspective.

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It’s Okay Not to Know Everything

It might seem that as a human who has brought a baby into the world, you’re supposed to know everything about raising that little person! But no one can ever know everything, even in a million lifetimes, so remember to give yourself some breathing room. It's okay to ask questions on a parenting forum, call a friend who might be more experienced than you, take refuge in your parents, or even just Google a basic question. Don’t feel bad about it! Instead, use these authoritative resources to help you, and trust your own judgment, too. This might sound obvious, but you’d be amazed how little credit parents, especially mothers, feel able to give themselves.

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Accept and Learn from Mistakes

It’s also important to learn from your mistakes and accept that you'll make them. No parent is perfect, and it’s your first time through this new life, too. Maybe you lost your temper, feel frayed at the edges or a little irritated with your partner. Being open, communicative and willing to accept fault can be a healthy way to take yourself less seriously and work on priorities. Put effort into getting more sleep, know when to express frustrations, or take a mental health day from work when you need it. It's not easy, but when you remember to go easy on yourself and follow some of these little tips, you’re sure to cope with the stress of parenthood in the healthiest manner.