5 tips to be a calmer parent

Managing office calls, helping kids with their homework and doing household chores- the pandemic has forced parents globally to don many hats together. It is an incredibly overwhelming time and parents, much like anyone find it hard to cope with the pressure in the new normal. Whether you like it or not, the stress can also show up when you are parenting your little ones...

01/ How to stay calm in difficult times as a parent

There are times you feel you are not doing enough, there are times when the parent guilt strikes you or just the times when work from home feels too much to handle. Parenting during the times of COVID-19 is actually cumbersome.

While we do not know when the situation will be back to normal, here are some tips parents can adopt to keep calm.

02/ Play with your kids

Just as you encourage your kids to spend their time creatively, try and play with them too. Kids, too, are facing enormous stress during these uncertain times and they are depending on their guardians for support and comforting hugs. Spending time with them can also feel like a stress buster for you and keep calm. It can also be a way to connect with them.

03/ Squeeze a quality moment in your daily routine

Kids, especially the little ones don't really understand the concept of 'work from home'. Creating a structure in your daily routine is one of the ways to get things under a little control. Make it a habit to have two meals of the day together, as a family and unplug your devices at a set time (even if it feels impossible). Step away from work and talk to your kids. Ask them how their day was, talk to them about your day. It can be a healthy diversion for you and make them feel important as well.

04/ No, you do not have to follow every creative project the internet suggests you to

While we emphasise the importance of playtime, parents, do know that you don't have to do everything the internet rulebook says. Parenting isn't one-size-fits-all. Internet serves a lot of creative inspiration but does not beat yourself up for not doing something which someone else is doing. At the end of the day, your goal should be to keep your family safe and happy, any way you can. Comparisons are best kept away.

05/ Reinforce good behaviour

Children are staying away from their peers too and they are bound to be cranky. While you cannot control their behaviour all the time, the pandemic is the best time to practice what experts call, positive reinforcement. Encourage or reward them for their good behaviour. Praise and positivity go a long way in shaping their self-esteem, especially with older children.

You can also use time-outs to your benefit. Experts say that this strategy is the best way to discipline kids, without fearing extreme consequences. Remember, as long as your kids aren't doing anything dangerous, being aggressive with them is not going to help.

06/ Be kinder to yourself

One of the first steps to be a good parent and set good examples is to be kinder to yourself. Whether you are a new parent, parenting tantrum-throwing teenagers, have a house full of young ones or co-living with older children, it is crucial that you be mentally resilient and practice some care-giving. Get good sleep, eat healthy, exercise, indulge in some me-time and take help from your family when you can to decompress and be a happy parent.

Practising these easy mantras are some of the ways to be a better parent and not let the panic or the fears of 'not doing it all' get to you. Remember, you are not alone. So, taking it one day at a time can help take a better grasp of things around you.

from LifeStyle