5 Simple Ways to Avoid Parental Overload

By: Kim Anderson

3. Don't Forget the Fun

When guiding and teaching kids, everything works better if we can make things fun. 

Sometimes adults get bogged down with all the responsibilities that come with raising kids and we forget about the fun.  I'll admit that I tend to take things too seriously and lose sight of fun — especially with my teenagers.  Mike on the other hand is much better at interjecting fun into every situation. 

Do your best to keep things light and pleasant.  For instance, if you're teaching kids about money management, allow them to set aside 'fun money' that they'll have full control over — even if they choose to make some foolish purchases.  It's okay for kids to make affordable mistakes along the way.  This is how lessons are best learned.

4. Give Yourself a Time Out

If you start to feel overwhelmed and insufficient, this is an indication that you probably need a time out.  There's an old saying:  "You can't give what you don't have". 

If you're feeling low on energy or if you're struggling through a chaotic season, it's okay to put your parenting goals on hold for a short period of time.  Focus on caring for yourself and do something that will recharge your batteries. 

If you start to lose momentum, try not to beat yourself up.  Leading a family is a big job and there will be moments of discouragement.  But don't let setbacks stop you from moving forward.  Do something positive to care for yourself then get back to it once you're feeling revitalized.

5. Celebrate Your Wins

As a parent or step-parent,  there will always be something you want to improve, develop or teach.  This is a lengthy job and there are going to be different stages and seasons to invest in your family. 

It's really easy to get hyper-focused on all the things we want to accomplish — so much so that we might feel like we aren't getting anywhere.  We start spinning all the plates and wonder if we'll ever get a solid grip on any of them.  This kind of thinking is self-defeating and unproductive. 

That's why it's so important to celebrate your wins.  Even the small wins are significant.  They are steps in the right direction and they need to be acknowledged.  Celebrate all your wins by sharing them with friends or treating yourselves to a special date night.  Whatever you do, don't forget to applaud the progress you've made!

Defy Defeat and Confront Challenges

My parenting journey looks a lot like a roller-coaster — lots of ups and downs with some crazy turns thrown in.  I know there's no such thing as a perfect parent, but I'm trying to avoid as many missteps as possible.

I want to make a positive impact in my family, but I sometimes I feel overwhelmed and discouraged.  Especially those times when my Ex has very different ideas about parenting that often sabotages my efforts. 

If you have kids that move between homes, you may feel defeated when all your great efforts seem to vaporize once the kids leave your home.  Living in these dynamics will create more challenges which  can magnify parental overload and exhaustion.  It's common to experience two steps forward, then one step back — over and over and over.  But that doesn't mean that you aren't making forward progress…YOU ARE! 

Don't give up.  Even though it may seem like everything you do is being opposed, your kids are still learning, growing and developing under your care.  You CAN make an impact, no matter how limited your time is with your kids or what they experience in their other home!

'Imperfect Progress' Can Get You There

I love the term 'Imperfect Progress' because it conveys the fact that everything doesn't have to be perfect to make a difference.  You can make a difference in your family by guarding  against  discouragement and parental overload.  Choose a goal that's doable today and infuse plenty of fun as you go for it.  Take a break when you need to and remember to celebrate your wins!  You will get there — one step at a time! 

QUESTION:  What's one realistic goal you can take on and what will be your first step?  Leave a comment below…

Source: https://support.mikeandkimcoaching.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-avoid-parental-overload

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