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Parenting Can Be More Fun

posted on March 02, 2009 11:18

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Parenting Can Be More Fun

Some parents really enjoy the job of parenting. They bring as much vitality and creative energy to parenting as they bring to other things in life they enjoy doing. Here are some ways to make parenting more enjoyable:

Countering Parent Burn-out

The qualities of sensitivity, commitment, enthusiasm, and compassion that most good parents possess also make them more likely to burn out.

Here are some steps to help you avoid the burn-out trap:

Distance yourself from the role of parent sometimes. It is impossible to remain fresh and responsible as a parent unless you periodically take a break from the job.

You need time alone, and you need time alone with your spouse. Your two-year-old will not be traumatized if you leave her in the spa nursery for an hour while you swim laps.

The six-month-old infant, given a bottle and a loving sitter, will not mind when you and your friend go out for Chinese food.

Care for yourself physically. Burn-out is both a physical and emotional illness. One obvious suggestion is adequate sleep.

But what about the more subtle elements that may be wearing you down? How much caffeine are you taking in?

What about cigarettes? Prescription and non-prescription medications? Excessive dieting? Diet Pills? Are you getting enough exercise? The best tonic for stress is exercise — it vitally important.

Be sure to choose a form of physical exercise that is fun and that you enjoy so you will keep with it.

Talk to other parents. Talk to older parents and find out how they survived the tough times.

Talk to parents who are your own age, and you¹ll find that everyone has the same problems.

Talk to younger parents, and you can offer you wisdom and encouragement.

Becoming a parent makes you part of a unique group of highly stressed, emotionally needy individuals.

Talk is cheap. Yet it can bring you the richest rewards in terms of relief, rejuvenation, and redirection.

1. Read books, newsletters, or magazine articles that keep you well informed about parenting issues. The better informed you are, the more confident you will be. Self-confidence is a key to success and enjoyment.

2. Search for new and innovative ways to deal with problems in the family that keep coming up. Discontinue old methods that have been unsuccessful in the past.

3. When you find a good solution, write it down. That will help you to remember your success. Your success will generate more success.

4. Share you parenting experiences "good and bad" with other parents whose friendship you value. Knowing you are not the only parent who has problems can be a very consoling experience. And you can learn from the experiences of other parents.

Other parents also profit from hearing about what has "worked" and "not worked" for you as you¹ve solved some of your problems.

1. Actively promote fun and humor in your family. For example, display a humorous cartoon or funny saying on the refrigerator door for all the family to enjoy.

2. Keep a journal. Briefly note funny incidents that occur in your home. Learn to laugh at yourself. Whenever you are feeling down, read your entries from last year to regain your sense of humor.

3. Take pictures and/or videos of some fun activities you share as a family. The longer you keep those records, the more they will be enjoyed and appreciated.

Nobody ever said that parenting would be easy. But nobody ever said it couldn't be fun and enjoyable. So, have some fun and enjoy your experiences.

Article courtesy of Growing Child www.growingchild.com

Posted in: Active Parenting