Stress Tips
Understand that being
a "stay at home" mom or dad is a full time job. If you do
your morning preparation as though you were going out to work you will
find the stress minimized in your daily life. So, get up in time to
get yourself dressed and prepared for the day before the children demand
attention. If you start out on the right foot your entire day will run
much more smoothly.
Try to include the children in the work that you do throughout the day. Kids love to be a part of things and love to learn how to do new things. But, most of all, they love to spend quality time with you. So even though you may find the job takes substantially longer with the children involved, know that the results will be well worth the effort. Then, instead of fending them off so you can get your work done they will become your partners in completion. Start small and build your way up gently for every one involved.
Additional stress tips include using good time management skills. That means fill the day for yourself and your children with different kinds of activities. Vary the activity based on the children’s internal time clocks, balancing very active work with quiet time and easygoing activities.
For more about up time and down times refer to the book, Life Is Short, Don't Blow It.
Spend a portion of the day just with the children and, when the children have the ability and the temperament to be on their own, give yourself some alone time as well.
