When you hear the word “burnout,” what do you think? Do you picture a busy doctor, lawyer, restaurant worker or some other type of on-the-job professional? These people can indeed face burnout, but so too do another group of hard-working individuals we often forget – parents and guardians. Since April is Stress Awareness Month, we have some tips for those busy mothers, fathers and guardians out there, and – as a bonus – we’ve included some ways to help your kids overcome their own stress too. You got this!
Tips for Busy Parents and Guardians
You’re caregivers. You’re selfless. And whether you have a job outside the home or not, you work longer hours than many CEOs. First off, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back! Then, check out these tips to help you lower your daily stress levels:
- Take it easy on yourself. Nobody is a perfect parent or guardian. All we can do is try our best.
- Cherish – and celebrate – the bright spots in your day.
- Practice – and soak in – simple acts of kindness.
- Frame frustration as a problem to be solved.
- On difficult days, remind yourself of the traits you love about your child. Maybe even write a list.
- Remind yourself of fun, funny and silly times. Grown-ups don’t have to be serious 24/7.
- Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Don’t try to bury any feelings or emotions.
- And finally, on difficult days, don’t take your child’s behavior personally. It’s rare they’re actually trying to stress you out or make you feel bad. Try to step into their shoes and look through their eyes.
Help your child deal with stress.
One of the hardest things as a parent or guardian is recognizing when your child is dealing with stress – and knowing what you can do to help. Here are a few simple actions that go a long way:
- Always have your “antennae up” for emotional or behavioral cues. Try to notice when your child is feeling a certain way or doing a certain thing that might reveal they’re dealing with stress.
- Especially watch for negative changes in behavior.
- Know that “feeling sick” may be caused by stress.
- Stay aware of how your child interacts with others – with their friends, teachers, coaches and you.
- Truly listen to your child. Have open conversations. Ask how they’re feeling, if they need anything from you and if you can help them in any way.
- Don’t be afraid to seek support from others – lean on fellow parents, your kids’ doctor, their teachers and more. It truly takes a village to raise a child, especially when they’re dealing with stress.
We know you’re busy caregivers, so we’ll keep this article short. But make sure to always seek support and talk to your doctor if you or your child is dealing with stress. Your health insurance plan may also give you access to care coordinators who can help you deal with anxiety, stress and more. Being a parent or guardian isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding beyond measure. This month and beyond, focus on self-love and remember the tips above. Your days might remain busy, but you can tell stress and burnout to take a hike.
Check out these resources from Hally® health:
- Caring for Caregivers
- Resources for Dealing With Depression
- If you or your child needs a hands-on activity to help relieve stress, try making these easy – and yummy – no-bake peanut butter chocolate bites. Have fun making them together!
For caregivers of all types – take a look at these helpful links:
- Learn 10 “stress-busters” for caregivers, from our partners at FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
- Check out these five tips for caregivers from our friends at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System.
- Watch this short video with tips for those caring for people with Alzheimer’s, from Riverside Healthcare.