It's Not Easy Being a Parent

parenting classes
Parenting

It's Not Easy Being a Parent

No matter how prepared you feel you are, being a parent is not easy. Providing for a child is a constant responsibility that can be stressful. But we feel this way because we love our children wholeheartedly and are determined to make their lives right. As parents, we have years of dealing with diapers, daycare costs, sick babies, meltdowns, teenage attitudes, not to mention judgment from others; and some of us have to go through this with multiple children!

I’ll be the first to admit that I feel ashamed and embarrassed when I feel like I can't handle my kids, and it's taken me years and a kid or two to realize that it’s okay. Kids are kids. They are not born with manners, and they certainly can’t read minds. Children are supposed to be silly and loud, have meltdowns, and ask a million questions. But by no means does that make it any easier as parents.

Another thing I learned is that I am not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Parents don’t automatically know how to be parents. We learn as we go, and with that, there is an extensive amount of resources to help us as parents.

Where to Start

Raising a child means less sleep and more stress. The first step to take is looking for local resources, this can range from support groups to classes. Joining a parenting support group or class can be very beneficial. It can allow you to discuss concerns you have or share any milestones, learn new communication skills, how to cope with agitated teens, or foster positive relationships with other parents.

It is important to remember that you need to take care of yourself. Children can mirror your behavior, so if you are sad, angry, or stressed, you can see them reflect that. It’s important to teach our children the value of their health and wellbeing. These support groups or classes can provide self-care. In these groups or classes, you can talk openly and honestly about your feeling, which can reduce stress or anxiety and give you a sense of empowerment and confidence. Neglecting self-care not only affects us mentally but physically, making our immune system weaker and causing high blood pressure.

Support Makes a Difference

It’s hard to not feel like a bad parent when our child is struggling. And what we need to remember that children are a source of joy in our lives. Even during challenging times, we need to take a step back and enjoy these precious moments and remember you are not the only one out there that is having a hard time. Support groups and classes offer a wealth of benefits.

The Open Door has a great parenting program open to new parents or parents with multiple children. You've heard the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child." Let us help you. Contact us at 254-442-3000 or visit us at www.supportopendoor.org to learn more about what we have to offer.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Help for Growing Families

Image
  Free Help For Growing Families Is Your Family Growing? First off, the idea of a family is very subjective. The typical idea is that of a couple parents and a couple or more children. However, a family can be more than just the aforementioned notion. If you are raising children or you are expecting your first child, then you are already a family. To me, my family was just my mom and my adopted sister. Since my dad had passed before I got a chance to know him, my mom had her work cut out for her just like so many other women in similar situations. We did not grow up in an area like the Big Country. Far from it, actually.  We grew up in the metroplex area and we hardly knew any of our neighbors. We never did get to know any of them because we didn't really stay in the same place for very long. My mom will testify that I was an extremely gregarious young kid and that if I had an opportunity to talk to someone, I probably would take it. I would tell them about whatever my latest ...
Read more

Working Towards Getting Your GED

Image
Studying  Working Towards Getting Your GED The General Education Development, or GED, test is an option offered to adults who were either unwilling or unable to complete high school in the traditional way. The tests are a group of four subject tests and, when passed, provide certification that the person has high school level academic skills. It measures the skills and knowledge similar to a four-year high school program. Since 1942, the General Educational Development has changed millions of lives for the better. How It Began The GED was developed in 1942 to help WWII veterans who were sent overseas to fight the war before they could finish their high school education. The United States Armed Forces Institute asked the American Council on Education (ACE) to develop a battery of tests. Passing these tests gave returning soldiers and sailors the academic credentials they needed to get civilian jobs and gain access to post-secondary education or training. The test has gone t...
Read more

Make Time for You

Image
Make Time for You A vast majority of people are guilty of making New Year’s Eve resolutions. We decide to commit to losing weight, read more, spend less time on social media, quit smoking, or drink less. Making these lifestyle changes are well and good, but a large percentage of those who make them struggle to stick with it. You may ask yourself, “How many times can I try to…?” The truth is, as many times as it takes. There is no doubt that these committed changes or goals take determination and not everyone gets it right the first time around. I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but recent studies showed that it actually takes about 66 days. It’s never too late to make a change, whether if it’s a New Year’s resolution or you wake up Thursday morning and decide to start riding your bike to work. Having a goal that will make a positive impact on your life is worth it. It’s not impossible to be the person you want to be, to form positive habits or take time for you, s...
Read more