Parenting is generally thought of as a blessing, and that’s definitely true. However, it can also be a slog. Taking charge of the life of a whole other person, if not more than one, is a lot of pressure for parents, especially first time parents. For those who aren’t prepared, it can seem like a nightmare, but there are ample ways to get through it with you and your children intact. Here’s what you need to know in order to keep your child safe and yourself sane.
Maintaining Energy
Parents are perhaps the largest demographic for instant coffee, and that’s because it can be difficult to stay bright eyed and bushy tailed when you’re burning the candle at both ends and wrangling children day in and day out. However, coffee and other sources of caffeine will only take you so far. Infamously, caffeine is known to provide a high intensity burst of energy for a short duration only to lead to a devastating crash, so maintaining that energy high requires an excessive amount of caffeine. This can form an addiction and impact your health if you’re not careful. A more holistic method of maintaining energy is not only better for you, but also more effective. A nutritionally complete diet is a great place to start, but supplements such as greens powder can improve your energy levels by eliminating lethargy at its source. Getting plenty of sleep may be outright impossible for parents with infant children, but those with older children can and should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night at around the same time each night in order to bring their A game each following day.
Education
Education is incredibly important, but children are well known to respond poorly to a formal education. This is a major problem if left unchecked, because your child’s education will play a major role in their options and their chance of success in their adult lives. Making your child more receptive to their school experience can be as simple as getting them to enjoy learning earlier on at home and continuing to engage their mind throughout their upbringing. This can foster a deeper desire to learn new things, because that desire is surprisingly innate to the human species. Curiosity is within your child from birth, so keeping them mentally stimulated and teaching them is the best of ensuring that that desire continues. Another important component of the educational experience is the social aspect. You can’t force your child to develop social skills, but a nudge in the right direction is generally all a child needs. Like learning itself, most children exhibit an innate desire to make friends from a young age.
Discipline
One of the most fundamental ways that parents can struggle with child rearing is discipline. Historically, parents are often either too strict or too lenient, and they both tend to produce the same results. Namely, children of overly stern or overly lax parents tend to have a problem with authority as a result of a sense of rebellion, a feeling of entitlement, or both. Striking a balance is the best way to steer your child in the right direction. For example, you should never discipline your child from a place of anger, and corporal punishment should be used only out of necessity. This gives the discipline the appropriate air of trying to teach your child right from wrong instead of simply lashing out. Likewise, it can be distressing for parents to discipline a child, because children are really good at provoking feelings of guilt and sympathy, especially when they’re younger. However, you’ll need to at least act like you don’t care if they cry when sentenced to time out or getting grounded. Teaching children that crying won’t solve all or even most of their problems is an essential part of eliminating the behavior that is necessary during infancy and therefore hardwired into their brains unless corrected.
Becoming a parent is a time of great excitement in every sense of the word. It can be terrifying, but it can also be joyous. Raising a child is hard work, but putting your best face forward and doing some research can steer you in the right direction. These tips will help you get started off on the right foot.
About the Author
Paisley Hansen is a loving mother of three children. Being a mother has been the most fulfilling part of her life. When she’s not out with her kids, you can find her at the gym or curled up with a good book.
