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Parenting is hard. Yup, it’s true. The good news is, even though it is hard, you aren’t alone. We have a few tips for you to try out if you need an extra boost to make you feel more confident in your parenting skills!
Don’t forget about “you time”
If you find that you are feeling run down and overwhelmed, you have to take the time to take care of yourself. This will be different for everyone, so don’t be afraid to find what helps to rest and renew you! Maybe a hydrating face mask is your fix, or a bubble bath, or both!
Once you have found what works for you, stick to it, and actually do it! There is no shame in needing a break. There has been so much happening in the world already, don’t let your everyday stressors be what pushes you over the edge.
One common everyday stressor is taking care of a pet. As a parent, the responsibility of taking care of a troublesome pet and a child may feel like too much to handle sometimes. However, there are steps you can take to calm your pets and make them easier to manage. If you have a dog that gets easily worked up and anxious, for instance, you might try picking up some CBD oil for dogs, which can help your dog (and, in turn, you) relax.
Know that perfection isn’t attainable
If you have been striving for parenting perfection, we commend your efforts and applaud you. But it is time to come to terms with the fact that perfection is not truly attainable. Trying to be the best parent possible for your kiddos is impressive and much more realistic.
If you find that you are trying too hard to be like celeb parents or the parents in the movies, it is time to take a step back and realize that those people all have tons of help, time, and money to be “ideal” parents. But everyone has their own struggles and challenges.
When you stop comparing yourself to others and just try to be your best, you will be one step closer to being a better parent.
Understand that you will make mistakes
No one likes to make mistakes, but they are going to happen. If you have to take a step back and have a moment to yourself, please do so! Then, get back up and learn from your mistakes!
To be better parents, we have to be willing to admit our faults and grow from them. This will also set an excellent example for your kiddo. They will see that mistakes happen, but we are on the right track as long as we grow from them!
Ask for advice
Seriously, do this. Ask parents that you admire for advice!
Reflect on the people who are parents in your life and see which ones you think are good role models and seem to have this parenting thing figured out.
See what pointers they can give you that you maybe haven’t tried yet. And be sure to write it all down, that way you don’t forget!
Read books
We know this seems like an easy one, but don’t lose sight of this opportunity! There are so many fantastic parenting books out there to choose from.
We recommend searching for books that fit the type of parent you are striving to be. Empathetic, well-rounded, understanding, and so on are all good keywords to search with!
If you have a unique family situation, use keywords like adoption, blended family, or single parent. By narrowing down your search, you will get results that pertain more directly to you!
Let’s be honest. There’s no such thing as the perfect parent, and striving for perfection only sets yourself up for failure. Here are some ways to boost your confidence as a parent! Click To TweetListen to podcasts
If you need something new to listen to on your drive home from carpool or while you get ready in the morning, you should check out a parenting podcast! Rad Parenting is a great place to start.
Like books, tons of podcasts will relate more specifically to your parenting journey. Plus, most podcasts have communities that follow them. This will give you a new place to discuss your challenges, offer advice, and learn from others!
Though it is tough to give exact advice on what it takes to be a good parent, as long as you are trying your best and striving to be the best parent for your kiddos, you can’t go wrong!
In your eyes, what makes a good parent?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Thank you for sharing this advice! Very smart and useful as always!