Tips & Techniques to Help Parents Cope with Stressful Times

They say that children are like sponges, constantly absorbing information around them and making sense of it. As a parent, you know that there is a bit more to it than that. From my experience working closely with parents and children, I’ve learned that while parenthood is one of the world’s most rewarding jobs, it is equally difficult. Parenting can bring immense meaning and joy to your life, but that does not mean that some days your energy won’t feel completely depleted.

You may sometimes feel the pressure of perfection as a parent, wishing your children would only soak up all the positive things you do and say, but that’s not realistic. It’s normal for parents to feel stressed and overwhelmed often, whether it’s situational or merely a result of your child’s daily dip into your energy reserve.

Not only is it essential that you care for your wellbeing for you, but because your children will continue soaking up whatever energy you offer - stressed or anxious - it is vital that you look out for yourself for them, too. One of the best ways to do this is by dealing with stressful times together.

Here are five practical techniques to cope with your stress and your child’s anxiety:

Try yoga together:

Children might not experience stress or anxiety the same way we do, but they still experience it. Practicing yoga together is a way for you both to recognize and cope with your emotions. The focus and balance that children cultivate through yoga can also help them become calmer and less impulsive, which benefits you just as much as it does them. Try a simple sequence together and, if you can, provide some playful posture queues for your children.

Practice deep breathing:

To many, the idea of meditation can seem overwhelming because there are always ideas floating around that it has to be done a certain way or while you’re in a certain headspace. But you can take a few simple deep breaths at any time throughout your day to feel significantly calmer, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. When you practice deep breathing with your child, incorporate a playful technique as you would with yoga. Have them pretend that there is a balloon in their belly that inflates each time they inhale.

Create a designated “cozy corner”:

Design and create a peaceful, cozy corner or area that your child can retreat to at any time. Let your child/children help make it a special place with their favorite cushion or pillow along with books, a zen bell or small musical chime. Perhaps set up this corner by a window with some natural light and shelf to place some crystals or rocks that you and your child can hold and practice mindfulness by engaging senses such as touch, sight and sound. 

In the cozy corner, you might also choose to keep a speaker nearby, where the two of you can listen to calming music in the background or sing, clap, and move together. 

Practice calming down with creativity:

Stressful times can bring about anxiety for everyone in the family, and coloring is an incredible outlet because it forces us to slow down - something we don’t do enough of. For an even more grounding and wholesome experience, you might try creating mandalas where you play with different patterns and colors. The geometric designs and basic circle shape of mandalas are surprisingly soothing, helping to release stress and emotional blockages while encouraging relaxation and creativity.

Try Aromatherapy:

I LOVE essential oils because each one serves an essential purpose. One of my favorite oils for dealing with stress is lavender, and there are quite a few ways you can use it. First, you can diffuse lavender oil in a diffuser (another idea for your cozy corner).  You can also use it for self massage and relax by applying it to your legs, head, temples, back of neck and wrists.  Finally, try rubbing it on the bottom of your feet for relaxation and a night of nice, deep sleep.

I hope you find some of these tips useful, and they help you and your family move from “chaos to calm”. Next month I will be offering a FREE Mini-Course with additional Tips and Techniques for your Toolkit, plus sending several recordings of Meditations and breathing exercises for you and your family to enjoy!

Sparkle and shine on! 

Peace, love and light,

Aedeen Twomey