How to Get Through Days When Parenting Seems Hard

Welcome to Parenthood!

Becoming a parent is amazing, and a blessing! But along with being a parent comes some unwanted stress which makes getting through days when parenting seem hard.

Being able to care and nurture our children is best done when we as parents are at a relaxed state. Now let’s be real: Being relaxed all the time is not a given. And if any parent is always relaxed, I want their secrets!

How to Get Through Days When Parenting Seems Hard

There are so many factors that come into play when parenting seems hard and getting through the day seems even more impossible. So it’s a triangle… you get stressed, parenting gets hard and then you’re even more stressed!

Of course, days when parenting seems hard can happen for a variety of reason. Maybe you had a fight with your spouse. Or maybe someone at the office was being a real jerk. Even just things like the laundry machine breaking. These things cause stress and in turn, make parenting seem hard.

For me, mornings get to me. I wake up, get myself ready and I’m all happy and dandy. Then I go get the kids to wake up… boy oh boy. Let me tell ya… it’s a CHORE! Especially as they’re getting older and are Tweens.

They drive me nuts in the morning and some mornings make my day so off because they have stressed me out to the max… and at the beginning of the day! These are the worst days because it just makes me lose all patience for the majority of the day.

And now with the Pandemic, schedules are off and all over the place. Kids are not their usual selves – especially if school is not yet in regular session. Parents are going crazy. It just all adds up and the stress seems to just be consistent. At least for me it is.

But for real though. It can be the smallest of small things to happen and it just seems like the world is crashing down. Therefore, I am sharing things that help me make it though days when parenting seems hard and I hope it helps you too!

How to Get Through Days When Parenting Seems Hard

Starbucks Coffee

Yes, you heard right. Grab yourself an expensive, delicious coffee. My daily morning starbucks runs actually give me the time to relax and I enjoy my coffee. So it’s a win-win. And if you’re not a fan of Starbucks, go to a different coffee shop you like!

Retail Therapy

For some reason, when I’m stressed or even anxious, I go shopping. It helps me keep my mind off the negative. And when I get back home, my mindset is different and I don’t feel as stressed as I did before. Get yourself to Target, or the mall! Anywhere you enjoy splurging some cash on.

Long Hot Shower

I’m not a bath fan. No patience for that. But just taking a longer shower, and hot, let’s me feel better. It’s like I can clear my brain. And as parents, when kids are asleep, showers are the best. Who knew showers would be looked forward to when becoming a parent? LOL!

Watch a Funny Show or Movie

I’m all for comedy. It’s my favorite. And it seems to help my mood when I’m not in the best one. I LOVE ‘Working Moms’ on Netflix if you want some motherhood humor!

Connect with Another Parent Friend

I’m sure you all have at least one friend who’s a parent. I know when things are tough at home, I message my BFF. And it’s like we’re on the same page and are going through similar things. Just talking it through helps!

Take a Deep Breath

Sometimes, I just need to stop and take a breather. Usually stress is due to not stopping and thinking things through. Take that deep breath and know that this won’t last forever.

Let it All Out!

It’s okay to scream. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to let out our feeling. It’s human! Of course make sure you’re alone (well not around the kids), but let it out. Let out your frustrations. Leaving it all bottled up inside is worse and can leave a lingering stress that will be with you daily.

Take an Early Night

A lot of times, stress is heightened when we’re lacking sleep. For me that’s true. On days you’re extra stressed, take an earlier night. Once kids are asleep, go shower and head to bed.

Exercise

I’m not one who enjoys working out, but I have found it to help when I’m stressed. Even anxious. I don’t workout as often as I should as I’m a lazy one, but it definitely helped me relax. As funny as that sounds since you’re being physical!

If you think about it, all these are Self Care ideas. And as humans, especially parents, self care is VERY IMPORTANT!

{READ MORE: Self Care to Make You a Better Mom}

Just remember, parenting isn’t easy and you’re doing a great job as is! It’s okay to have our days. But with practice and taking some time for ourselves, we will learn to be less stressed so that it doesn’t make parenting hard!