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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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Tips for Overwhelmed Parents: How to Survive and Thrive

July 1, 2022 | family

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be quite challenging. When you start, it seems like there is so much to learn and so many new things to worry about. It can be overwhelming! This blog post will give you some tips for surviving and thriving as a parent.

 

1. Make Time For Yourself

One of the most important things you can do for yourself as a parent is to make time for your hobbies and interests. It can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of your children that you forget to take care of yourself. This can lead to burnout, so it is essential to make sure that you are making time for yourself.

One way to do this is to schedule some “me time” into your week. This can be an hour or two where you do something you enjoy without worrying about taking care of your children. It can be helpful to have this time scheduled so that you don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself.

Another way to make time for yourself is to find activities you can do with your children. This way, you can still spend time with them while also doing something you enjoy. For example, if you like to read, you could start a book club with other parents and their children. This way, everyone gets to do something they enjoy while spending time together.

 

2. Create a Support System

Having a support system when you are a parent can be helpful. This can include your partner, family, friends, or other parents. Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be very helpful.

One way to create a support system is to join a parenting group. There are many different types of parenting groups, so you can find one that fits your needs. This can be a great way to meet other parents and get support from people going through the same thing as you. Embrace Grace is one such organization, and we provide support for parents through our website, blog, and social media.

 

3. Set Realistic Expectations

It is essential to set realistic expectations for yourself as a parent. This can help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. One way to set realistic expectations is to remember that your children are individuals and will not always behave the way you want them to.

Another way to set realistic expectations is to be mindful of your limitations. You will not be able to do everything, and that is okay. However, it is essential to focus on the most important things to you and let go of the rest.

 

4. Know What To Commit To

There are many different commitments that you can make as a parent. It is important to know what you are realistically able to commit to so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

One way to do this is to start with the basics. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself and your family first. Once you have taken care of the essentials, you can start to commit to other things.

Another way to know what you can commit to is to set boundaries. This can help you to say no to things you don’t have time for or are not a priority. It is important to remember that you cannot do everything and that it is okay to say no.

 

These are just a few tips for surviving and thriving as a parent. It is important to remember that every parent is different and what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to find what works for you and your family.

 

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I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

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