children may cause stress too!

Having children is one of the best things one can experience. However, this does not come for free. Most parent experience a lot of stress caused by the children and the responsibility for them. Since the children are born we rarely have more than a week in a row without worrying about our kids. Unless you really want to go nuts, it is an imperative to learn how to cope with such situation - fast.

First, remember that you should be calm. In situations where you can’t keep yourself together much longer, just walk away and take a few deep breaths. How can you know that the time is right? It’s simple: if you clench your fists and hear your voice rising, the stress attack is on the way. A few minutes more and you will lose your temper unless you go away. Remember that screaming will not do any good, even for you. If you have to scream, do it alone.

Do not let problems remain unsolved. Always find their sources and solve them as soon as possible. If your children defy the rules you set, discuss the problem with them instead of forcing your ideas all along. Most kids will agree with what you say if your arguments are good enough. However, even if you feel that the discussion won’t end peacefully, never let the situation go out of hand - otherwise you will feel extremely stressed, angry and depressed every time it happens again.

Another thing is that you have to remain in control of a situation. Never let it follow its own course if you feel it’s not going to end well. If your kids are going to do something improper, bad or simply stupid, be the first to tell them that. If you can’t cope with the problem otherwise, use everything you have in your power (including grounding and similar punishments) to keep your children from doing things you don’t accept. Explain your reasons to them, but never let them make big mistakes - it is the shortest way for a parent to suffer a nervous breakdown.

Even the least important sources of stress can change your situation from happiness to horror and ruin your health in a matter of a few years. Here’s how to avoid it: make sure that the situation in your family remains under control, your children know about the rules and the reasons for following them, you never get angry in front of children and you discuss problems with them rather than solve them singlehandedly.