Don’t you wish that parenting was the easiest thing in the world? While that isn’t going to happen, it doesn’t need to be as difficult as many make it. There are some simple tools and easy ways to cut the stress and enjoy this time with your children. Here are some great ways to make it so much easier.
Join Groups in Your Area
There are many parenting groups in the area. Some will be for single parents and others will be for military mothers. There is really something for everyone. Join one of the groups that suits your needs and make friends.
You will be able to bounce ideas off each other, ask for advice when there are problems and just have people to socialise with.
Plan as Much as You Can
You may think yourself foolish for planning next summer’s vacation already but now is the perfect time as a parent. You have to plan ahead, otherwise you’ll forget things or nothing will happen.
Get out a diary and start writing everything that needs to be done down. This is also great for tracking each child’s performance at school or PTA meeting.
Organise Things the Night Before
Don’t do the packed lunches on the morning. Make the rush easier and do it all the night before. It takes a few minutes of your time but will be much easier once the kids are in bed.
You can also get your uniform and anything else you need organised so the morning is just for getting ready.
Look After Yourself
Your children would be nothing without you. They need you healthy and raring to do so you need to look after yourself. If you feel yourself getting ill, rest and get the medication you need.
If you have a medical condition, make sure you are on top of everything you need and take time off if you need to (from work!). Eat nutritiously so you are ready for anything.
Develop a Routine for Everyone
The whole household needs a routine. Everyone functions better on it. Make sure you all get up at the same time and go through the same stages before work and school.
The same thing needs to happen on a night so dinner is eaten and all homework completed. It just makes it easier for everyone to remember where they need to be and when!
Be Happy and Positive
Don’t get disappointed that something hasn’t worked out. Be positive and happy about everything.
This just makes the rest of your life seem a lot easier. When bad things happen, focus on the positives that are coming up.
Have Ground Rules and Stick to Them
Ground rules make parenting much easier. Create them and make it clear that they are not to be broken.
Set up punishments, like time outs, if the rules are broken and stick to them too. This shows consistency and your children will stop trying to push the boundaries.