No matter how many children you have, parenting is a wonderful but challenging journey. However, there are tips you can take to make the parenting journey a little easier. These five tips can help you maintain your sanity while still loving your little ones during the primary parenting years.
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1. Occasional Treats
You need to take time for yourself in order to be the best parent possible. Treating yourself to occasional indulgences is a fantastic way to lift and recharge your spirit. Even if you are on a tight budget, do your best to set aside free-spending funds for you and your spouse.
Get a couple of relaxing hours alone by going out for a manicure and pedicure. If you cannot sneak away, bring the pampering to you with snacks and goodies found in Carrolls Irish Gift Baskets. Treat yourself to an afternoon at the mall shopping for some new clothes or home decor.
Take an afternoon to golf with the guys. Round up a group of friends and see a movie. Whatever activity you enjoy, take time for it every now and then.
2. Date Nights
Date nights are another essential piece of good parenting. Taking time to focus on your relationship with your spouse makes you a stronger, more united couple and gives you time to discuss and align on parenting topics.
Depending on your schedule and finances, have a date night once every week to once every month. While there is nothing wrong with going to a favorite eatery, do not go to the same restaurant every date night. Mix it up by trying new places and rotate who chooses where you go.
Additionally, try new activities every now and then during date night. Go to dinner, see a movie, go mini-golfing, play games at an arcade or take a painting class. Doing so helps you discover more about each other and replenishes your energy by trying something fun.
3. Support Groups
Find a group of fellow mothers or fathers to lean on during this parenting adventure. Having a relationship with people who are going through the same thing as you gives you someone to turn to for advice, feedback or a shoulder to cry on.
If you do not already have a group of parenting friends, there are numerous places you can meet some. Many churches offer different mom or dad groups for parents and kids to socialize on a regular basis. Your town’s Park and Recreation Department likely offers numerous activities for parents and kids to participate in, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends. Social media is another great resource for finding local mom and dad groups to get plugged into.
4. Nap and Quiet Time
Until your children start kindergarten, a daily nap or quiet time is a great way for them to learn to play by themselves and gives you a break to rest or get work done. If your child still takes naps, put him or her down at the same time every afternoon.
If your child has outgrown naps, transition nap time into quiet time. Your son or daughter does not have to sleep but should play or read quietly in his or her room during this time.
5. Thrift Stores
Depending on your child’s age, there are certain essentials he or she needs, such as a crib, stroller, sippy cups and school supplies. Purchasing these products can be very costly, especially if you are on a tight budget or have multiple children. A great way to purchase the goods you need without spending a fortune is by shopping at thrift stores.
Next time you need to purchase something for your kids, try a thrift shop first. While there are large corporations that offer a variety of products, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, many towns have resale boutiques that only sell children’s products, which likely gives you a wider variety of options to choose from.
Wherever you are in your parenting journey, applying these five tips can help make the adventure a little bit easier for you and your spouse.
