5 Easy Ways to Turn a Bad Parenting Day Around
Are you having a rough day of parenting? Looking for ways to turn it around and get back to enjoying motherhood again?
Having kids is such a blessing, but parenting is no walk in the park. When your baby is fussy, your toddler is throwing epic tantrums, and your older kids just won’t stop fighting, you may really start to question your parenting.
You may be touched out, overwhelmed, and sleep deprived. You may feel like a bad mom because you just want some time to yourself.
Whatever the reason, whatever the case, you need to find a way to lift up your spirits and set a different tune to the day.
In this post, we’ll cover 5 easy ways to turn a rough parenting day around.
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5 Easy Ways to Save a Bad Parenting Day
1. GO OUTSIDE!!
Going outside can make such a whirl wind of a difference.
Your kids will be in a better mood, you’ll be in a better mood, and bedtime will go a little more smoothly with the youngsters getting worn out.
Being outside in nature is just calming and good for us, both physically and mentally. In fact, studies have shown nature walks to be associated with less depression, lower blood pressure, and less stress (source).
So the next time your kids are driving you crazy, just drop everything (if you can) and get outside!
2. Turn on a Podcast
Listening to a podcast always helps me feel better when I’m having doubts about my parenting. Sometimes I just need some reassurance that what my kids are doing is normal and that I’m not a terrible mother. While other times it’s great to hear some new tips and tricks on how to get my kids to listen and find some effective, yet gentle, discipline strategies.
Momming and parenting podcasts can help you circle back, center yourself, and help set the tone for the rest of the day.
Some top favorite parenting podcasts include:
- Unruffled by Janet Landsbury
- Risen Motherhood
- Parenting Without Power Struggles by Susan Stiffelman
- The Shameless Mom Academy
3. Step Away
When your kids are fighting, your baby is fussy, and your dog seems to be barking at every single person that walks by, you are most likely just over stimulated. You may be touched out and just need a moment of silence.
So when you’re feeling like you’re about to loose it, focus your attention to your senses. Turn off the music or T.V., place your baby or toddler in a safe place, and just step out of the room for a few minutes.
Take some deep breaths or scream in a pillow if you need to. You may even just need to sit down for a minute without someone climbing on top of you.
Put the kids in the car and go for a drive if you have to. Treat yourself to a coffee.
Just take this time to recollect yourself, so you can get back to being the mom you strive to be.
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4. Phone a Mom Friend
Sometimes you just need to talk with another mom that’s going through the same parenting stage as you, while other times it’s nice to hear advice from veteran moms.
You need to get a good laugh when other toddler moms have little ones coloring on the walls, throwing tantrums over the silliest things, and unraveling the whole roll of toilet paper as well.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mom you can trust and poor your heart out to. Sometimes you just need to cry together to know that everything will be alright.
We’re all in this together!
5. Dance It Out
You can take a breather and phone a friend, but other times you just need to dance it out, dance it out, dance it out.
So, grab the speakers and turn on some tunes.
Music always makes my kids and I in such a better mood. Those little smiles on their faces reminds me that to them, I’m their whole world, and that they would never want a different mom.
Plus, sometimes when your kids are acting out, it’s really just a call for attention. They need that time with their parents to make special memories and create a long-lasting bond.
They need your love and attention, so make the time with them, even if it’s just with a simple dance party.
You're Doing Great, Mama!
Having children is such a gift, but sometimes being a parent can just be too overwhelming and stressful. You’ll have days where you feel like you’re doing nothing right or you “just can’t do this.”
Luckily, there are many ways to find some self-assurance and motivation on these rough parenting days.
Try turning things around by getting outside. Nature can do so much for the soul.
If you feel like you’re about to lose it, step away for a breather or to make a quick phone call to a trusty mom friend. Listen to a podcast to let yourself know you’re not alone. And, if all else fails, bump up the music and spend some quality time with your kids by having a funky dance party.
I know it may not seem like it at this very moment, but you are really doing a great job, mama! Your kiddos love you so much.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect parent.
You got this, mama!
What About You?
What helps you to turn around a rough day of parenting? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with all your mama friends.
Dancing it out is always what saved me from a bad day lol. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, it’s amazing what a little bit of dancing can do!