Parenting Stress
Written by Philippa Scott - Fantastic Futures
Parenting stress is like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole.
Just when you think you've got one problem sorted, another one pops up, and you're left scrambling to figure out what the heck just happened. It's like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.
One of the most significant contributors to parenting stress is generational trauma. It's like a family heirloom that you don't really want, but you're forced to keep it in a place of honour on your mantle.
We all have those moments when we find ourselves overreacting to a situation and later realise that it's because of something our parents or grandparents did (or didn't do) when we were kids. It's like a genetic predisposition to stress that we just can't shake.
And let's not forget our own childhood experiences of being parented. It's a mix of nostalgia, cringe, and awe as we look back on those moments when our parents made us feel like superheroes or made us swear that we'd never be like them when we grew up.
Like the time when your dad tried to teach you how to ride a bike, and you ended up with a broken arm and a newfound fear of two-wheeled vehicles. Or when your mum took you to the park, and you ended up covered in bird poop.
Ah, the memories.
Communication is key when it comes to parenting stress. It's important to talk openly and honestly with our kids, even if it means admitting that we don't have all the answers.
It's okay to be vulnerable and show our emotions.
It doesn't mean we have to have a meltdown every time our kid spills milk, but it does mean being honest about our feelings and apologising when we make mistakes.
Our kids are more understanding than we give them credit for, and sometimes they can surprise us with their wisdom (or their ability to turn any situation into a fart joke).
Parenting stress can bring us to tears, but it can also bring us to laughter. When things feel like they're spiralling out of control, it can be helpful to find humour in the situation. It can help us put things in perspective and remind us that we're all in this together, like a really messed up version of the Brady Bunch.
It's important to acknowledge our own generational trauma and childhood experiences and work through them, even if it means revisiting some cringe-worthy memories. It's okay to seek out help and support when we need it and to find humour in the chaos of it all.
So let's strap on our running shoes, grab a box of tissues (and maybe a bottle of wine), and let's do this parenting thing with a sense of humour and a whole lot of love.