7 cool ways to find joy in every stage of parenting

Parenting is a rich, immersive experience that can take a lot out of you. There is a lot of pressure to get things right and a lot of criticism if you make a few mistakes. With benchmarks set and everyone watching it can seem like a tedious task. If this describes your situation right now, don't fret! In this article, we look at seven ways you can find joy in parenting. Whether you're a new parent who's just figuring it all out or a veteran that's already onto your third kid, we'll help you find joy no matter what stage you're in.

1. Enjoy the little things:

Sometimes parents can get bogged down by the responsibility and forget that there's joy involved in parenting, and quite a bit of it. Learning to laugh at small mistakes and enjoying even the smallest of victories will ensure the job doesn't become too much of a trial.

2. Do things you love:

We all know just how much you love your children. You have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice anything for them. However, now and then, it's okay to take some time for yourself and have a little fun. You can ask a family member to babysit for a few hours and head out for a nice dinner or anything else you enjoy doing. Schedule these in advance so you have something to look forward to.

3. Don't do everything yourself:

Even if you wish you were super human, the truth is your not. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Don't feel bad or shy, make sure you reach out to someone when you find yourself struggling. Even if it's only one day's worth of chores you're missing, you'll find yourself feeling lighter and in a better mood instantly.

4. Spend family time:

Yes, you're responsible for your kid's discipline and their developing healthy habits. No, it's not the only thing you can do with them. Kid's are a lot of fun, something you should take advantage of as they do grow up fast. Schedule a some quality family time away from the TV and WiFi. Head out to a park, play sports, or go for a drive and make some great memories. Your kids will thank you for this later.

5. Don't take it too seriously:

It always pays to remember that no one is perfect. However, hard anyone tries, she is bound to make a few mistakes along the way. If you have your child's interests at heart, you are heading in the right direction. Even if your children disappoint you, don't be overly critical. Find a way to reach out to them and communicate in ways they will understand. This will help your relationship with them and ensure the bond grows stronger.

6. Learn to forget:
Any mistakes you made in your past have no bearing on your future. If you've been tying yourself down with memories of how you failed as a parent or are blaming yourself for something your children did, learn to let it go. The past only serves as a lesson. Remember your experience and let go of the rest. This is an essential step in finding joy and happiness at all times.

7. Think of the bigger picture:

When your energy is spent, and you can't imagine having to get up and do some work, there is one thing you should keep in mind, your children. Parenting is like a trial by fire, but the rewards are worth it. Seeing your kids grow up, and watching how their lives positively reflect the choices you made will make it all worth it in the end.

As you grow as a parent, it's important to keep learning. Your parenting skills will reflect in the type of people your children grow up to be. Staying happy is critical to this process. Make sure that you are always pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself and try and enjoy yourself along the way. That's the secret to a joyful parenting life. As a parent, what has brought you the most joy? What has challenged you the most?