-
Step 1
Take the time to think back to those first few months: You were up every night nursing and changing diapers, you thought you would never get a good night's sleep again. You did, didn't you? Children go through phases and the true challenge for Mom and Dad is to ride out each phase with some amount of dignity and mutual respect. Remember, this too shall pass.
-
Step 2
Share time with your child that is outside of the challenge area. If you are fighting every morning to get to school and work on time, make sure you have times where you aren't in a hurry to be anywhere.
-
Step 3
Take a break. You deserve it. Even a half hour away from a situation can give you a clearer perspective. Go out for a coffee with your spouse, friends or just alone.
-
Step 4
Monitor your stress level. If you are under a lot of stress outside of raising the kids, then you need to refocus. Cut back on work hours or extracurricular activities if it will help. The sanity you can control will help the sanity you can't control.
-
Step 5
Examine your expectations. Trying to live a life beyond your capabilities, or expecting a child to perform beyond theirs is unrealistic. If, after five years, your daughter still hates ballet, let it go. If she does her homework and tries her best, you might just need to accept she isn't an "A" student. If your bathroom isn't spotless, forgive yourself and have a long hot bath anyway.
