Parenting can be rewarding, exhilarating, frustrating and challenging. When the negative side seems to be over the point where you feel like lashing out - STOP. Take a minute for yourself. Don't take it out on your child.
Take parenting a day (or an hour) at a time. Don't expect to be perfect. Your negative feelings are normal. Know that all parents need help and support.
Don't Take it Out on Your Child
Tips for stressed-out parents - Try any of these tips brought to you by the Hold on to Dear Life® campaign at Primary Children's Medical Center:
- Stop, step back, sit down
- Count to 10...or 110
- Call someone you trust to help
- Thumb through a magazine
- Take a hot bath
- Pick up a pencil and write down your thoughts
- Phone a friend or a relative
- Take a walk
- Lie down and put your feet up
- Hug a pillow
- Say the alphabet out loud
- Run up and down some stairs
- Listen to the radio
- Talk to other parents
- Munch on an apple
- Take 5 deep breaths...inhale and exhale s-l-o-w-l-y
- Do some sit-ups
- Ask for help when you need it
A printable copy of this brochure is available online:
For more information about the Hold On to Dear Life program, contact Primary Children's Medical Center's Child Advocacy department, (801) 662-6580.