The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

Posted by pecuellar on 10/25/07 - 11:11 AM

As your life gets busier and you become a mother you learn that there is never-ending supply of potential stress out there. The person responsible for putting the most stress on a mother is usually herself. Trying to balance it all can be overwhelming, but constantly worrying about every detail is counterproductive. Here are a few things to think about before you waste another night fretting over whether or not you are doing all you can.

• Establish priorities. For example, my one year old finishes with his dinner and bath about thirty minutes before bed. This is his time. If it means the dinner dishes sit in the sink or the laundry doesn’t get folded right away, that is ok. All he wants is some of my time and attention.

• Set realistic goals. Stay away for ridged goals that set you up to fail. “I will find time to exercise for thirty minutes three times a week” is a much better goal than “I will run three miles every morning”.
• Learn to say no. Avoid spreading yourself too thin. If the holiday season generally nets you invitations to twelve parties, it is ok to skip some. This will actually make the ones you choose to attend more enjoyable.
• Don’t over schedule. Leave yourself some flexibility in the day. Everything is subject to change, almost at super sonic speed when children are involved. Inevitably something will happen to sully even the best schedule.

Remember stress is out there. Messes will be made, plans will be foiled and kids will decide to have a crying jag at the most inopportune moment (usually in line at the grocery store.) Being proactive will actually help you handle it better and keep it from distracting you from the things that are truly important to you.