4 helpful tips for dealing with the stress of being a parent

Parenting can be very stressful whether you are a stay-at-home or working parent. Remaining calm with positive energy can help you make it through each day; here are some tips for parenting and relieving stress when it hits.

• Finances can be a huge stress factor when raising children. Whether you are a working parent, single parent, or stay-at-home parent, supporting a child can be a big expense.
• Child rearing requires budgeting and planning.
• Sit down and take a look at your household income, as well as your monthly bills and expenses.
• If necessary, work with a financial planner to make sure that you're staying on top of all your bills each month.

• When we are stressed, our breathing often becomes very shallow and rapid.
• Improper breathing means that we are not getting enough oxygen into our bodies to help us produce energy. The good news is that learning to breathe properly is easy.
• Just lie down in a comfortable position and begin breathing slowly and deeply.
• Allow your lungs to fill with air before exhaling and do this for five to 10 minutes to allow your body to heal and restore itself so it is better equipped to deal with stress.

• We all need a little help from our friends from time to time.
• Whether it's people to watch the kids while you run errands or someone to talk to about parenting issues, you need to have a support network available to help you reduce stress.
• If you don't feel like there are enough people in your community that you can reach out to, you can try joining a group for busy parents or hiring a sitter to take care of the kids while you focus on other parts of your life.

• Parenting can easily get overwhelming when you have a lot of responsibilities and demands on your plate.
• Despite the many challenges, it is important to maintain a positive attitude because children are easily affected by our moods.
• Exercising regularly, having a proper diet, and getting enough sleep are all integral parts of staying positive. This healthy lifestyle will help you to be the best parent you can be.