Children are unable to comprehend their parents’ stress or discomfort and continue with their usual whining, bickering and nagging – which can push an already distressed parent past the breaking point. Even normal, happy (yet noisy!) play can trigger an angry reaction from a parent suffering from pain or sleep-deprivation. If these angry outbursts continue on a regular basis, it can result in confusing parental behaviour which can interfere with good discipline practices. There’s even a possibility of it damaging the parent-child relationship over time.
How do you avoid these pitfalls?
Be in touch with your own needs. Of course you have to, and want to, take care of your family, but taking care of yourself is equally important. Self-care starts with healthy eating, daily exercise, and getting as close to adequate sleep as possible. Self-care also means finding a little bit of time for yourself; time to calm your emotions and take a deep breath or two.
It’s important to do whatever you need to do to stay sane and centred-read a book, have coffee with a friend, gardening, work on a hobby, take a jog, pray, practise yoga or meditate.
Meeting your own needs will help you to better take care of others.
It is not selfish; it is imperative for your well-being and your relationship with your family.
These tips are from The No-Cry Discipline Solution by Elizabeth Pantley.
Elizabeth Pantley is a mother of four, grandmother, and author of the bestselling book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution, plus 8 other books in the No-Cry Solution Series which helps Mums and Dads through all key stages of parenting. Visit her at nocrysolution.com.
