Apr 12, 2023
1001
Wellness
The Motherload: Relax and open the paint
Embrace parenting adventures with humor and sanity
“Lilly has the paint!”
I hear a scream from the playroom as I clean up from breakfast. At that moment, the baby comes barreling through the doorway, her green hands straight out in front of her as she heads for the sofa.
I start to move toward her, but everything is in slow motion. I’m too late. Her hands land firmly on the couch, and she giggles uncontrollably. What a mess!
Featured Article
Ah, parenthood. The rollercoaster of emotions, the sleepless nights, and the endless joy of finding mashed banana in places you never thought possible.
Let's be real though, amidst the chaos, it's easy to feel like we're starring in our very own comedy of errors. But with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of sanity, we can triumph over the overwhelming challenges that parenting throws our way.
Here are some practical tips to help you keep your sanity intact and rediscover the laughter in parenthood:
- Tell yourself it’s fine. No, seriously – and don’t just say it, believe it. There’s something to be said about the power of positive thought. Our mindset plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and interactions with our children. By embracing a positive outlook, we create an atmosphere of love, encouragement and resilience.
- Prioritize your time. Time is a valuable resource and as a parent you may feel like you’re always running out of it. The trick is to focus on what matters most. Make a list of your daily tasks and categorize them as urgent, important and non-important. Then, allocate time accordingly so you’re not wasting energy on things that don’t make a difference.
- Ask for help. I have to remind myself of this one often. As moms, we sometimes feel like we’re superheroes who can handle everything on our own, but that’s far from the truth. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a way to show you’re strong enough to recognize your limitations.
- Stay connected. Social support is critical when it comes to coping with stress, but let's be real — we don’t always have the time to get together with friends and family. Since time away from home can be a challenge – especially for those without a support system close by — you may need to opt for virtual get-togethers. Whether in person or on Zoom, make the time to see your loved ones; sometimes just seeing a friendly face who can offer support, advice and empathy makes all the difference.
- Find your calm. When the chaos reaches its peak, channel your inner peace. Breathe deeply and remember, finding the calm within the storm is an art form that comes with practice (and perhaps a pair of noise-canceling headphones).
- Practice gratitude. When things get hard, remember this is just one season of your life. Before you know it, your kids will be grown, and your to-do list won’t be so long. Until then, soak it all in and be thankful for the special moments. Gratitude can help you stay positive and centered on what truly matters.
In the whirlwind of parenthood, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos and lose sight of the joy and humor that can be found along the way. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, let out a chuckle — and open the paint.
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