Take a Moment…

Life seems to be speeding by. We all talk about how busy we are, and how we have no time to get everything done. I’m inviting you to consider taking back control of your time, for your sake and that of your family.

Many young adults struggle with feelings of stress and overwhelm, feeling like they have so much on their plate. They haven’t gone through life like we have and developed time management techniques that work, or don’t, depending on your situation. They truly feel overwhelmed and stressed; and often very alone in this struggle.

So, what can you do as a parent, as someone who also might feel overwhelmed and stressed?

Here are some pointers for struggling parents, ways to help yourself and also help your child.

1. Take some time to talk with your young person – Share that you too feel overwhelmed and stressed sometimes. Many of us want to appear like we have it all together, the problem with that is that our kids may think we do have it all together and that they are the only ones struggling. Keeping it real with your kids can really help in creating bonds and together you can find ways to help and support each other.

2. Make time for your family – We show our love by the time and attention we place on things. Make it a point to set aside time for people who are important to you. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, it could be setting aside a few nights a week for family dinners, game nights, include them in some family decisions, etc. Take the time to make some memories together.

3. Make time for yourself – When you take care of yourself, it gives your kids the message that self-care is important. Take care of your health, physical and mental, and make time for things that are important to you.

Do good things for others – When your kids see you doing kind things for others, they learn that thinking of others is important. They learn about empathy and become better people for it.

4. Balance – The key here is balance. Anything done to the extreme is harmful, so bring balance into your life by making yourself and your family a priority. When you show your kids that balance is important, they will also begin to see the value in it for them.

Relationships are what make life rich and beautiful. Our kids are growing up so fast, so take some time for Taco Tuesdays and bring out that old Monopoly board, you won’t regret it. Remember, no one on their death bed ever wished they spent more time at work, I promise.