To manage stress, parents can cultivate the courage to face challenges head-on. For instance, if a parent is struggling with work-life balance, acknowledging this issue, rather than avoiding it, is a brave first step. Initiating a conversation with an employer about flexible hours is an example of acting courageously. If your employer is not able to offer flexible hours, you can start with the 5% solution by working through lunch and leaving early once per week or every other week. Another alternative is to have the courage to ask for help. Reach out to another parent and ask for help. Having a support network will ease your stress.
Practicing gratitude shifts focus from what’s stressing you to what’s enriching your life. Parents can make it a habit to note three things they are grateful for each day, such as their child’s health or a supportive partner. This simple exercise can significantly enhance mental well-being, (Emmons & McCullough, 2003) and fortify them to face challenges with more strength and grace.
Often, parents are their harshest critics. Learning to forgive oneself for not being perfect can alleviate a significant amount of stress. For example, if a parent reacts harshly to their child, understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes and striving to do better next time can be liberating. This can also become a teachable moment for the child. A parent can explain why they overreacted and apologize.
Finally, showing compassion to oneself and others nurtures emotional health. First, remember to be kind to yourself and know that it’s ok to not be a ‘perfect’ parent. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. Take five minute mindfulness breaks through the day. Also, actively plan time for self-care, such as taking up a hobby, going to the gym, or going for a walk, a couple times a week can make a big difference in your well-being.
It’s essential to recognize that underlying stress is often fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of the unknown. When we Choose Love, we’re making a conscious decision to confront these fears constructively. Choosing Love as a thoughtful response allows us to grow through challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them. It encourages resilience and a positive outlook, essential for both parents and children.
Addressing parental stress requires a holistic approach. The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory makes it clear that parents are in dire need of mental health support. By embracing the Choose Love Formula™ and understanding the role of fear, parents can better navigate their challenges, fostering a healthier, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. If their children’s schools have embraced the Choose Love curriculum, parents can learn, practice and reinforce these essential life skills alongside their kids, using the same language and receiving the same benefits from our no cost parent program. Research consistently supports these principles as practical methods for reducing stress and improving mental health (Seligman, 2011).
By following these steps and leveraging the Choose Love Formula™, parents can transform stress into an opportunity for growth, creating a more hopeful and positive family environment.
– U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). [Latest Advisory on Parents’ Mental Health].
– American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). [Factors Influencing Parental Stress].
– Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting Blessings Versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well-Being in Daily Life. *Journal of Personality and Social Psychology*.
– Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). *Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being*.
Choosing love, Scarlett
