Stress develops when the demands of life and parenting seem overwhelming. The Parenting Network recommends the following basic techniques to decrease stresses of parenting:
Establish routines — When children know what comes next, they are more cooperative.
Set limits — Set limits that are fair and clear so that children know what is expected.
Be consistent — Children need to know that you mean what you say. Say only what you are willing to enforce.
Give choices — Allow children to feel in control of their lives by letting them make choices within the boundaries that you set.
Develop simple family rules — Children as young as two years old can help to clear the table.
Take time to learn how your children develop — The more you learn about what to expect from your children at difference ages and stages, the better prepared you will be.
Know your children’s friends and their parents — Get to know your child’s friends. Invite the parents to your home or spend a few minutes on the phone with them.
