How can I stay calm when I feel out of control?
It's easy to get overwhelmed from time to time when you're parenting children. It happens to the best of us. There are a few things you can do to help calm yourself down in the heat of the moment.
You can slowly count to 10 and breathe deeply. In through your nose and out through your mouth.
Try to change the scenery. It may not be easy to leave the house or go for a walk, but you can take your children elsewhere and let them play outside and get a breath of fresh air to get away from where the stressful event is occurring.
Try to reframe the situation and see it from another point of view. You can always play some music—it can be soothing, calming, or fun and silly music you can get up and dance around the house to with your kids. Anything to try to change the temperament and the mood.
Always try to control your anger before it controls you. Our kids are always watching and learning from us. It's not a matter of if you'll get mad, but when. So model good behavior, and teach your kids what to do when they get mad, too.
Reviewed by Eva Benmeleh, March 2020
I usually have to walk away from the situation when I feel myself losing my patience. Usually that works unless my daughter decides to follow. Sometimes I have to shut myself in my room to collect myself.
Exercising is great for relieving any stress/tension you might have. I try to do some sort of physical activity at least 3 times a week. Not only do I feel better about myself, but it’s my “me” time. We all need time for ourselves every now and then. 🙂
When I feel like I am “losing it” I walk away from the situation for a couple of minutes to calm down. It is usually when we are cooped up in the house, so I like the idea of going for a walk to get some fresh air. I also think about the two glasses of wine that I am going to have when the kids are in bed and that helps lift my spirits!
This is great! I would add — exercise. I am completely exhausted and overwhelmed today. So I put the kids in the double stroller, and went for a long walk. The sunshine and fresh air was a good break, and the endorphins made me feel so much better. Plus exercise gives you more energy!