All stressed out and nowhere to hide? Parent stress is nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether in response to tantrums in children or a lack of teens' manner, even the most level-headed parents lose their cool once in awhile. Read these S.O.S. (Stressed-Out Survival) ideas for some goals to set the next time things heat up.
- Leave -- physically. Take a physical break from your children by removing yourself from the situation. Whether this means going for a long drive to sort your thoughts, or just taking a short walk to clear your head, do it. Obviously, if another adult is not home and your children are too young to stay home alone, leaving the house is not an option. However, leaving the room is. Remember, screaming into the linen closet is better than yelling at the kids.
- Leave -- mentally. Take a mental break from adolescent parenting through fantasy. Picture anything from a candlelight bubble bath to a tropical island beach resort. The important thing is to focus on a positive image.
- Do as I say, and do as I do. Set a good example for your kids. Don't buy all the junk food you like and then yell at your daughter for throwing a tantrum in the store when she doesn't get the cookies she wants. And if your son can't go to his friend's house because you're too tired to take him, don't be surprised if he complains when you head out to the movies. In general, be mindful of teaching character, and be respectful of your children. Many of the bad habits they'll pick up will come from you.
Wendy Burt is a freelance writer from Colorado Springs, CO.