Like gum stuck to the sole of a shoe, stress is one of the stickiest matters to control and get rid of. Stress sticks to just about every pair of shoes we fill on a daily basis, but the pair it is hardest to pull from is that of the parent.
Stress and parenting go hand-in-hand and can be caused by both good and bad experiences. Unfortunately, stress has little to no upside and can put immense strain on the whole family - sapping energy, harming relationships, and impacting your overall health. So, what can we do about it?
One of the upside factors to stress is that it presents an opportunity for growth. We often avoid conflict (in a lot of cases caused by stress) because we fear an uncomfortable situation or perhaps harming another's feelings, and as a result, add even more gum to the soles of our shoes.
So, let's talk... where to begin?
Embrace and effectively deal with conflict
What if we could rid stress through conflict? We often associate conflict with the negative but if approached with the right communication tools it can become an effective way to release bottled up frustration, tension, and anger.
Stop making all the decisions!
Did you know? Studies have shown that you can boost your child's confidence, self-esteem, and independence by allowing them to have an input to family rules and to solve their OWN problems.
By giving up your role as solution giver and decision maker you allow your child an equal role in your relationship. As an equal, your child will develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Fear leads to stress
A home governed by a constant state of fear of being punished can lead to immense underlying stress. Power-based, punitive discipline, can solve an immediate problem but it does come with lasting consequences. Fear of being punished could cause a child to hide problems from a parent. And we all know that one of the worst things to experience as a parent is not being able to tell what's wrong.
Better social and conflict resolution skills can help you solve problems in your household without becoming permissive or authoritative. Effective communication skills can have a massive impact on your role as a parent. By being able to communicate your anger and frustrations effectively, can resolve conflict in a healthy manner - which in turn leads to less stress and a happy family for all.
Don't bottle up with frustration, equip yourself with the right tools to effectively scrape that gum from your shoe!
Learn more: www.parents.co.za
Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas, and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.