Before you have children, every parent you meet will tell you that raising a child is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world. Although you might think that you’re prepared for the role, there will undoubtedly be times when you feel like you’re spinning plates and swimming against the tide. Many moms and dads are reluctant to ask for help, but nobody is superhuman. If you’re struggling, or you can’t remember when you last had a moment to yourself, here are some tips to take on board.
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Lean on friends and family
Your family and friends are there to support you. Whether you need advice about getting a newborn to sleep as a new mom, or you could do with a hand to get your kids to different after school clubs at the same time, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask if anyone would mind helping out. You’ll probably find that you have several volunteers, and you’ll wish you learned to ask for help sooner. There’s no shame in asking your sister or your best friend to babysit for an hour if you’re desperate for a bit of peace and quiet or seeing if your parents could take your child to school one morning. You would probably offer your help to your friends and family at the drop of a hat, so don’t hesitate to ask for the odd favor.
Seek expert advice
Being a parent can be incredibly challenging, especially if you have concerns about your child’s health, their development or their behavior. If you have any worries about your baby’s health, seek expert advice. It’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially with young children. If you start to spot signs that cause you concern, for example, slow development or anger or aggression, it’s wise to reach out to people who can help you. Behavioral problems can be very distressing for parents and siblings, but there are health experts and organizations like Youth Villages that are there to support the child, as well as their family. Having access to treatments, programs, self-help therapies and assistance at home and school can make a really positive difference to every member of the family.
Dealing with work-related stress
If you’re a working parent, it can be tough to find a work-life balance. If you’re working long hours, or you feel like you spend 100% of your time either working or running around after your children, it’s important to try and look after yourself and manage your time. Speak to your boss if you’re working more hours than you should be or you’re doing more work than your colleagues. Ask about working from home or switching your hours to facilitate greater flexibility. It’s also critical to make sure that you have time to unwind and relax, especially if you’re stressed out or exhausted. Share the load with your partner, or ask friends, family members or neighbors to lend a hand. Even if you only have 10 minutes to run a bath or read a few chapters of your book at the end of a busy day, this can help to boost wellbeing.
Most parents find it very difficult to reach out and ask for help. Nobody has superpowers, and sometimes, it’s not possible to function 24-hours-a-day or provide the kind of support and care your child needs. There is absolutely no shame in seeking advice and asking for help.
