How To Be A Calm Parent: 5 Strategies for Tough Parenting Moments

07/04/23 • 37 min

Mom Life Handbook: Your support system for modern motherhood

In this episode of the Mom Life Handbook, we're diving deep into a topic that hits home for so many of us: how to be a calm parent. For all the busy millennial moms out there who sometimes feel they're on a hair-trigger, who feel like they're not handling stressful situations with their preschoolers or elementary-aged children as well as they'd like, this one's for you.

We start off by shedding light on our own nervous system, understanding how it impacts our reactions, and how we can take charge of it. You'll be amazed at how this simple understanding can significantly shift the way you navigate your mom life.

Then we'll move on to practical techniques like deep breathing, something you can easily fit into your busy schedule. This isn't your typical advice; we're talking about using compassion to navigate tense moments and asking ourselves two crucial questions that can change the dynamics of our interactions.

We're also going to be brutally honest about the importance of taking a break. As busy moms, sometimes we see this as a luxury, but in reality, it's a necessity for us to show up as the best version of ourselves for our kids.This isn't just about providing tips; it's about creating lasting change in your life. And trust me, the change is not just possible, it's attainable. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. So, join me in this episode, and let's embark on this journey together towards becoming calmer, happier parents.

In This Episode:

You'll gain a deeper understanding of how your reactions to stress are linked to your nervous system, equipping you with the knowledge to better navigate stressful parenting moments.
You'll learn a simple and effective deep-breathing technique that can be used at any time to regain calm and composure, supporting you in maintaining a balanced emotional state amidst the chaos.
You'll discover how choosing compassion over teaching in tense situations can transform your parenting experiences, fostering stronger and more understanding relationships with your children.
You'll grasp the importance of identifying what both you and your child need in stressful situations, allowing you to respond with empathy and wisdom rather than reacting impulsively.
You'll embrace the value and necessity of taking a break, acknowledging that self-care isn't just about indulgence, but crucial to your overall well-being and effectiveness as a parent.

Related Links:

In This Episode:

You'll gain a deeper understanding of how your reactions to stress are linked to your nervous system, equipping you with the knowledge to better navigate stressful parenting moments.
You'll learn a simple and effective deep-breathing technique that can be used at any time to regain calm and composure, supporting you in maintaining a balanced emotional state amidst the chaos.
You'll discover how choosing compassion over teaching in tense situations can transform your parenting experiences, fostering stronger and more understanding relationships with your children.
You'll grasp the importance of identifying what both you and your child need in stressful situations, allowing you to respond with empathy and wisdom rather than reacting impulsively.
You'll embrace the value and necessity of taking a break, acknowledging that self-care isn't just about indulgence, but crucial to your overall well-being and effectiveness as a parent.

Related Links:

Previous Episode

Family Vacation Checklist: When, How + What to Pack for Less Stress + More Rest

Overwhelmed by the thought of prepping for your upcoming family vacation? Juggling the never-ending to-do list and fretting over what might slip through the cracks? No worries—this episode of the Mom Life Handbook has got your back.In this chat, we'll explore real, practical strategies to streamline your vacation prep, no fluff, no fancy jargon - just simple, mom-tested advice. We'll talk about the big stuff, like how a little bit of advanced planning can save you from a whole lot of last-minute chaos. But we'll also dig into the details, like what exactly to pack to keep the whole family happy, and how to keep self-care on the radar, even when you're away from home.This isn't about making your vacation 'picture perfect.' It's about making it work for you - less stress, more rest, and more time to actually enjoy those precious moments with your family. Ready to do vacation prep differently? Let's dive in.

In This Episode:

You'll discover why advanced planning can transform your vacation from a stress-filled scramble into a smooth, enjoyable process, allowing you to enter your family vacation with a sense of calm and readiness, rather than anxiety and last-minute chaos.
You'll be able to anticipate potential challenges and plan accordingly by contemplating the key considerations in preparing for a family vacation discussed in this episode. This proactive approach will alleviate the common stressors of family vacations, giving you more space to savor precious moments with your family.
You'll have a clear guide on how to craft a packing list that is both comprehensive and efficient, eliminating the fear of forgetting something crucial at home. The ease of packing, with time to spare, will create a stress-free start to your vacation.
You'll learn about the essential items that should always be on your family vacation packing list. This knowledge will enable you to travel confidently, knowing that you and your family are well-prepared for the journey ahead, thus reducing worries and allowing for more restful and quality time with your loved ones.
You'll be equipped with practical strategies to prioritize your self-care even amidst the busyness of the trip. This shift in focus promises to transform not just your vacation, but your everyday life, with increased mindfulness and well-being.

Related Links:

Next Episode

Simplifying Summer Meals for Your Family

Ever felt overwhelmed by planning and prepping meals, particularly in the summer when routines are disrupted, and kids are home all day? I've been there too, and I've found there are 5 key strategies that’ve really helped me to simplify summer meals for my family.This episode is all about transforming mealtime from a chore into a more seamless part of your day. It’s about embracing simplicity and joy when planning summer meals for your family. So, if you're ready for a less stressful and more enjoyable kitchen experience, tune in for some mealtime transformation. We're serving up solutions to ensure summer meals become the best part of your day, without revealing all our secret ingredients just yet.In This Episode:

You'll gain peace of mind by understanding your child’s nutritional needs and learning how to meet these in an uncomplicated and stress-free way.
You'll discover how to choose seasonal and nutrient-dense ingredients that will satisfy your family's palate and nutrition needs, paving the way for lifelong habits of balanced and adventurous eating.
You'll learn to establish a rotation for breakfast and lunch, saving you time on planning and introducing predictability that comforts both you and your little ones.
You'll master the strategy of making one meal for the entire family to enjoy, regardless of differing taste preferences. This will relieve the pressure of catering to everyone's likes and dislikes and promote healthy eating habits in your children.
You'll find out how to reorganize your kitchen to foster your child's independence, which not only lightens your load but also instills important life skills in your kids.

Related Links: