5 Tips for Surviving Parenthood

This post is done in partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness, but features my own thoughts and opinions.

As a mom of three kids, I have tried and failed at many tasks. Luckily, whenever I have failed at something, I was able to learn from my mistake and tackle the issue a different way the next time. I have found, too, that what works for one child or even serves me well at one point in time may not work the next time. As a parent, it is important to be flexible — or honestly, you won’t survive. Life and kids throw curveballs at us daily.

Here are some ways I have found to survive parenthood:

Create routines, but be ready to be flexible. Bedtime is probably the most important routine because we all know how important sleep is! From growing to building up our immune systems to being able to function for the day, sleep is important and kids need to learn that.

Realize that life is no longer just about you. As a parent, you cannot be selfish because you now have this tiny human depending on you for their everything. Don’t get me wrong though, either, and think your life is over; it is just going to be different. I have found too that when kids are in bed or school, I can be a little selfish and treat myself.

Accept help. This is hard for some but it really does take a village to raise kids. If family or friends offer to carpool or babysit, take them up on it and do the same for them. My neighbors and I watch each others’ kids so we can run errands or go out with our spouses. Carpooling, too, has been a lifesaver since I have three kids in various activities and can only be in one place at a time!

Realize you are talking to kids and be age-appropriate. As your kids grow, you will definitely have to adapt how you talk to them and about what. For example, I have heard some parents talk to their toddlers in a stern voice with words those kids do not understand. I don’t mean you necessarily need to use baby talk, but do realize the age of your child.

Keep your family and kids only as busy as you can handle. While some children don’t like having every moment scheduled, others need that. It is important to find a happy medium for your family, and it helps keep families together. Activities are a great way for kids to meet others and learn new skills. Even just heading out as a family once a week for a quick walk is good for kids!

What are some tips you have for surviving parenthood?

Let me know!

Worried about your kids’ stress? Take the ACE quiz

Medical providers use ACEs screening tools to identify children at higher risk for a toxic stress response. Take the ACE Quiz to better understand your child’s risk.

Please remember this is not a medical diagnosis. Although each ACE raises the risk of health problems, not everyone with ACEs develops them. Plus, there are things you can do right now to lower your and your children’s risk of health problems.

The truth is, nearly all of us have been affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), whether our own or someone else’s. Share your story today.