Beat the Stress of Motherhood

Motherhood is probably the world's toughest job. Learn a few tips and tricks that will help you beat the stress and truly enjoy being the best parent you can be.

Steps

 * 1) Breathe. Remember that no matter what age your kids are, they are only this age for a little while. That means the temper tantrums will pass, the attitude problems will pass, the bed-wetting, back-talking, and boy crazed teenage years will all pass. Just breathe. Try to enjoy each stage while you have the chance, and look at the humorous side of things instead of always focusing on the negatives. When you're frustrated, take a step back and calm down before approaching your child. It's never good to be overly upset or angry, as you might do something you will regret. Relax, and take a second to reevaluate. Chances are it's just a phase, and things will get better. Don't freak out.[[Image:Beat the Stress of Motherhood Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) See things from their perspective. Children see the world in a whole different light than adults do. When approaching your child, try to look at the situation from their point of view. Little Johnny ripped his sister's doll apart while playing Army men? Chances are he wasn't trying to be malicious; he was just being a little boy. You wouldn't want to be screamed at for doing something that is basically a part of your nature. Think twice before losing your cool or becoming stressed over a situation. More often than not, the children are simply making an innocent mistake that can be corrected without unnecessary yelling and debate.[[Image:Beat the Stress of Motherhood Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Always apologize. If you make a mistake, don't be too high and mighty to say sorry to your child. Parents are humans, too, and we all mess up from time to time. Make sure your kids see you as a kind, humble, mature person, rather than some dictator trying to ruin their lives. You don't have to be their BFF, but you certainly don't want them to think you are the devil, either. Be the adult, and step up to the plate when you make mistakes. It will happen. And your kids will respect you all the more if you are able to come to them and apologize. This also teaches them to say sorry in the event that they mess up, which will also happen. Avoid the extra stress of arguments and dissection by humbling yourself enough to say sorry when it's your fault.[[Image:Beat the Stress of Motherhood Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Laugh at yourself. Chillax, momma. Sometimes, some things are out of your control. That spilled milk on your new blouse, that huge mess in the kitchen, that torrential downpour right before the soccer game: you can't help it. Things happen. Just learn to laugh. After all, laughter is the best medicine (and a great ab workout). It's easy to get caught up in the stress of everyday life when we constantly take ourselves too seriously. One of the best ways to de-stress is to giggle a little. When things go wrong, don't automatically lose your mind and go off the deep end. Instead, try to lighten the mood a bit. Almost every unfortunate situation has a funny side to it.[[Image:Beat the Stress of Motherhood Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Embrace the little things. Much along the lines of learning to laugh at yourself, you also have to remember that time is fleeting and life is precious. Treasure it. Take time to really, truly enjoy your kids. Sooner than you know, they will be grown up and only visiting you on holidays. Remember that they are the greatest gift you will ever have, even on the days it feels like they are the biggest pain in the rear end. Keep the little finger paintings. Keep the silly Mother's Day cards. Take pictures. Make scrapbooks. Splurge on a vacation. Embrace every little opportunity you have to show your kids how much you love them. It does make a difference, and they will remember it.[[Image:Beat the Stress of Motherhood Step 5.jpg|center]]