All stressed out and nobody to talk to? Parent stress shouldn't be swallowed. 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. Jennifer Pinto wrote to offer this S.O.S. (Stressed-Out Survival) idea: She keeps a parenting journal.
"Adolescent parenting has not only changed how I view myself, but also how I view the world. Children can make the most mundane events seem magical. My children have taught me many lessons, and they do it in very subtle ways.
Like most parents, I was so busy that I didn't take the time to reflect on these lessons. I decided to keep a mother's journal. I write in it frequently, focusing on the lessons I am learning from my children and how I am changing through my interactions with them.
I write about the wonderful and the difficult days, hoping to learn something from both types of experiences. I write about the challenges, unexpected joys and rewards of parenthood."
Jennifer's journaling tips:
- Keep a notebook handy to jot down family ideas or cute quotes from your children.
- After a difficult day, ask yourself, "What have I learned from this experience?" "What is my child trying to teach me?" or "Do I have any new goals to set?"
- Write about the positive parents stories as well as the negative.
- Dads can do this too!