Having anxiety as a parent is pretty ‘normal’ – but your reason for having it and how you deal with it can make a big difference to how you cope with feeling this way. You shouldn’t be in a constant state of panic about raising your kids, or comparing how you raise yours to how somebody else is raising theirs.
Here, we’ll talk you through reducing your parenting anxiety so you can end the cycle and begin enjoying these years:
Stop Comparing Yourself To Other Parents
Start by refusing to compare yourself to other parents. This can be tough, but it’s a must if you’re going to overcome this anxiety once and for all. You only see a small part of how somebody raises their kids, whether it’s on Instagram or at the school gates. You see what they are willing to let other people see – certainly not how they do things behind closed doors!
Know What You Can and Can’t Control
There are things you can control when you’re raising your kids, and things you can’t. You may worry about how your kids perform at school, who they are friends with, and the food they eat. You can make sure you have a fully stocked fridge with vegetables and fruit, but you can’t force your child to eat them. Your job is to work on doing what you can, and then trusting your child will choose to do the right thing themselves. The last thing you want is to end up in a battle of wills.
Find Ways To Focus On Yourself
You may wonder how you’re going to focus on yourself when you have kids to look after, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you stop caring for yourself, you’ll neglect your health, your work, and your kids won’t get the best of you by a long shot. Realize that you’re in charge of your own life. You get the say on your relationships, goals, and aspirations. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean your life should be over. Do more of the things you love, and practice self-care. You’ll be setting great examples for your kids this way. Eat right and take your supplements. If you’re particularly stressed, then the Best CBD oil could help – but you should always do research before taking a supplement you haven’t tried before. Focusing on your health and making sure your cup is full before helping others will result in a happier family life and happier, well-rounded kids.
Understand The Difference Between Fear and Facts
Is there any evidence to give you reason to be worried about what you’re worried about? If you do have a cause for concern, like your child has become withdrawn and moody, then figure out what you can do. Maybe you can find a counselor or speak with teachers. However, if you are making things up out of nowhere, this is about you. Focus on the facts and you will feel much better.
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