It's nothing to be embarrassed about. Even for the most level-headed parents, stress can make you lose your cool once in awhile. And although every day as a parent is challenging, some days are more challenging than others.
Try these strategies for dealing with some of those times that cause increased parent stress.
Personal Health and Wellness Is Important
Mentally list the last five times you've yelled at your kids. Is there a pattern? Does the time before dinner drive you nuts? Is the hour before school impossible? Remember that a parent's overreaction can cause stress in children as well. Try to come up with some solutions to these recurrent parent stress times. Start laying out the kids' clothes the night before. Take showers before bedtime. Set the table for breakfast right after dinner. Do whatever it takes to get back some of your sanity.
Jancy Bueckers of Austin, Texas, found a solution to her 3-year-old's tantrums. Bueckers noticed a pattern to her frustration and anger. Every time she would try to brush her daughter's hair before they had to leave the house, she would be met with screaming and fits. This display left Bueckers not only angry, but late to appointments.
"After several episodes, I decided to start an hour before it was time to leave. I told her she could stay in her room with the door closed until she was ready to have me brush her hair. She seemed to appreciate the fact that she had a choice," said Bueckers. "Now, she plays in her room for a while until she's ready for me to brush her hair. This allows her to choose when she's ready, and it gives me some extra time alone. We haven't had a problem since!"
Get a Calendar and Book Time for Fun
Get a giant wipe-off calendar for your home. Put it where everyone can reach it and highlight days that look especially busy so that everyone is aware of the possible stress levels. Schedule time alone with your spouse and with your kids as often as possible.