5 ways for parents to manage everyday worries

Parents worry about a lot of things including their child’s performance in school, healthy food consumption, safety, overall health, and developmental milestones among others. While worrying is expected from parents, it is not healthy to become overly paranoid and dwell on imaginary dangers that a child might face. Here are 5 ways for parents to manage everyday worries:

1. Educate and Equip your Child

In order to minimize your worries, educate your child about what he should do when faced with certain situations. Remind him not to talk to strangers as well as to take anything or go with them. If your child goes out on a school trip with his classmates, tell him not to separate from the group. It would also be beneficial if you ask him if he already knows what to do if he is lost or hurt. Make sure that your child always carries a whistle with him at all times. With a whistle, he would be able to catch the attention of anyone if ever he is in danger or lost. If he can already manage and if allowed in school, let him bring a mobile phone. This way, he can call you whenever he needs help or assistance. If your child is knowledgeable about how to handle day-to-day situations, you will surely ease up your worrying.

2. Keep a Journal

Talking about your everyday worries is encouraged but it is also better to keep track of them too. Maintain a personal journal and list down all of your worries. For every item on your worry list, don’t forget to make a note on how you will be handling the situation. In a few days or months, go back to your list and update it by adding entries on how you managed to overcome these situations. Writing your fears, hopes and other emotions on your journal will be such a release that you’ll feel cleansed and relieved.

3. Take up Yoga

Meditation and yoga does wonder for a parent’s worrying mind. The breathing exercises and wonderful stretches will relieve the body of any accumulated tension and stress. With each breath, the muscles will be more pliable and the mind will be clearer. After a refreshing yoga session, you would not be as harried and anxious as before. Because you will feel relaxed, you will be able to think clearly and think more positively.

4. Engage in Fun Activities

If you are doing something that you love, you would be less likely to worry about things. Engage in a hobby like collecting a certain item, scrapbook making, running, baking, gardening and others. When your time and mind is occupied, there would be less room for worries.

5. Think positive

Nothing is as powerful as positive thinking. Stop imagining worst-case scenarios and be more positive instead. You want your family to be happy so think about positive things only. However, do not stop at dreaming about having happy endings. You must work for them – do your best at work (or at maintaining the household) and love your partner and your kids.

Written by

Karen Mira

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