10 Ways To Be Happy Parents

Raising children is hard, there is no expert in the world who will deny that fact. Let's face it, they do not come with manuals to tell us how to handle all this. And the first instinct of most parents is to put our children first. But should our happpiness be put aside? Well here are some tips to help you be a happy parent. Because we can be parents and still be happy.

Adult time out

Time outs are not just for the kids anymore. You can give yourself a small time out, where you hide away in a nice bubble bath or just read a book. Anything that you like to do for at least 30 minutes. Even if it is just a walk down the street, that could be all it takes. Finding time to spend by yourself is the whole point and just do something you like to do.

Pamper yourself

Now this idea is not just for women. The world is seeing a big increase of single father\'s and they need a break now and again too. Take a full day and just visit a spa or for the guys maybe a gym. Anywhere you can relax and let other people wait on you. You will not believe how much this helps keep your mind straight.

Adult friends

Let\'s face it, when children come along many of us lose friends that we had. The kids become the person we spend the most time with and that is not a bad thing, but let\'s admit we want times when we can actually talk normal to tall people. Get out and join some clubs and socialise. Meet other people that have the same interest as you do. Just remember to talk in grown up talk.

Date night

Date night is a very important part of having some time for yourselves. Hire a babysitter and go out and have a nice evening, just the two of you. It does not have to be anything big and fancy, maybe just a movie. Just take the first step to making it happen.

Chores

Unless you want your kid to grow up thinking you are the maid, have them help. Giving children chores is a great way for them to learn two vital things in life. Mummy or Daddy is not their maid and how to be self sufficient and clean up after themselves. They will need these skills when they finally leave the nest.

Teach them your games

Children are like sponges, they absorb everything. When you feel they are old enough, teach them some of the games that you like to play. You might be amazed at how much they like it, especially if they get good enough to beat you at it.

Take turns

It is an involuntary habit that parents get into after they have children, to always do what makes the kids happy. Well that is big mistake, we should teach the kids from the get go to take turns with everyone in the family. This will not only teach them that taking turns is a good thing, but will also show them that parents want to have fun too.

Homework habits

Do not hover over your children while they are doing their homework. Find them a comfortable place that is out of the way and quite, and let them be. They have to learn that you will not always be there and they need to know the responsibility of being responsible for their own actions. Just make sure they understand that if they do not get it done, then they will not get to have any friends over.

Change up the routine

It is too easy for parents to get caught up in the same old routine every day. Change things around a little bit, it does not have to be anything major. Maybe listen to a different radio station or take a different route to your destination. Stop at a different store to fill the car up or eat at a different place for lunch.

Family day

There are many times when being a happy parent could mean just spending more time as a family. Many households have both parents working and the parents feel like they are missing out on the kids growing up. So take one day a week and make everyone spend it together, no matter how old they are, get them to spend time with the family.

Written by

Miss Vanda

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