Parenting

managing stress the importance of BY URSULA BRANTLEY

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. At the same time, parenthood and stress tend to go hand in hand. When an individual deals with an overwhelming amount of stress, it will impact their mental health. Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being.

We all encounter stressful situations in our everyday lives, but parents have added layers of pressure. Society tends to place parents on a superhuman pedestal. They are expected to power through their own battles as well as life’s trials for the sake of their children and households. Parents often place these same unrealistic expectations on themselves. They can find themselves hanging on by a thread while trying to fulfill everyone else’s needs. An online survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 75% of parents reported family responsibilities as a significant source of stress. Demetria Layton, MA, National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Shreveport native, points out that financial issues, marital/relationship issues, an inconsistent parent/ partner, physical/mental illness of a parent, caring for children with disabilities, having limited or no support system, lack of sufficient employment, lack of adequate education, no reliable transportation, or living in unsafe neighborhoods or environments are a number of key stressors for parents.

It’s common for parents to become frustrated, but when they begin feeling overwhelmed, problems can arise. Layton says, “A person should pay attention to the slightest change in their normal day to day functioning.” When someone notices that their emotions are beginning to bubble, it’s time to take a step back. It’s important for parents to recognize the signs of overextension for the sake of their children as well as themselves. Dr. Anjelica Hart, EdD, Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Technology and Instructor of Psychology and ADA Coordinator at Southern University at Shreveport, explains that overwhelming stress can affect a parent’s ability to remain calm and consistent with their children. She says, “Oftentimes, parents are very irritable and impatient when experiencing consistent stress. Some common stress reselves hanging on by a thread while trying to fulfill everyone sponses include headaches, frustration, tiredness, mood changes, disturbed sleep, frequent conflicts, and problem concentrating. A significant amount of mental pressure can cause anger, explosive outbursts, inappropriate or harmful statements toward children, and child neglect or abuse.” Feelings of frustration from trying to balance parenthood and life in general are not uncommon, but without proper management of emotions, parents become a runaway train carrying their children with them. Coping with stress in unhealthy ways can manifest as subwith disabilities, having limited or no support system, lack of stance use or abuse, over or under eating, child neglect/abuse, sleeping too much or not enough, engaging in self harm, isolation, feelings of constant loneliness, ignoring their children, or ments are a number of key stressors for parents. child neglect/abuse.

It’s common for parents to become frustrated, but when they begin feeling overwhelmed, problems can arise. Layton says, “A person should pay attention to the slightest change in their normal day to day functioning.” When someone notices that their emotions are beginning to bubble, it’s time to take a step back. It’s important for parents to recognize the signs of overextension for the sake of their children as well as themselves. Dr. Anjelica Hart, EdD, Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Technology and Instructor of Psychology and ADA Coordinator at Southern University at Shreveport, explains that overwhelming stress can affect a parent’s ability to remain calm and consistent with their children. She says, “Oftentimes, parents are very irritable and impatient when experiencing consistent stress. Some common stress responses include headaches, frustration, tiredness, mood changes, disturbed sleep, frequent conflicts, and problem concentrating. A significant amount of mental pressure can cause anger, explosive outbursts, inappropriate or harmful statements toward children, and child neglect or abuse.” Feelings of frustration from trying to balance parenthood and life in general are not uncommon, but without proper management of emotions, parents become a runaway train carrying their children with them. Coping with stress in unhealthy ways can manifest as substance use or abuse, over or under eating, child neglect/abuse, sleeping too much or not enough, engaging in self harm, isolation, feelings of constant loneliness, ignoring their children, or child neglect/abuse.

Layton says that when parents deal with stress in unhealthy ways, children are more at risk to develop issues such as social problems, anxiety, depression, difficulty maintaining healthy/positive relationships, aggression, hostile relationships with peers and authority figures, or a negative self-image when a parent’s mental health isn’t properly handled. Children may also develop their own survival techniques when parents are unable to meet certain needs. Hart gives an example, “If a child is hungry and at an age where he or she can perform basic tasks, they may fix a bowl of cereal to fulfill their hunger when their parent is in a depressive state, in terms of not getting out of bed and not tending to their needs.” She also points out that when a parent can’t provide the love and care their children seek, their children may look for a role model such as a coach, teacher, or neighbor who can provide the mental and emotional support they’re seeking.

Layton says Children watch everything parents do and mock their behavior. They notice when a parent is mentally not there and worry about their parent’s wellbeing. It’s vital that parents exhibit healthy coping skills not only for their own health, but also to set positive examples for their children. Some healthy coping skills given by taining healthy/positive relationships, aggression, hostile relationships with peers and authority figures, or a negative self-image when a parent’s mental health both Hart and Layton are maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes proper eating habits, exercise, rest, relaxation/ meditation techniques, constant positive affirmations, building a social support system of trustworthy individuals, or Children may also develop their own seeking professional help. When parents properly maintain their stress, children are more likely to have an age where he or she can perform basic higher grades in school, develop positive relationships with peers and authority fill their hunger when their parent is in a depressive state, in terms of not getting out of bed and not tending to their needs.” She also points out that when a parent figures, develop self-confidence, develop positive expressions of love/care, and effectively communicate problems they are experiencing. Parents practicing healthy coping

skills cultivates positive parent/child

a role model such as a coach, teacher, or neighbor who can provide the mental and emotional support they’re seeking. relationships and serves to teach children valuable life lessons in stress management.

Children watch everything parents do and mock their behavior. They notice when a parent is mentally not there and worry about their parent’s wellbeing. It’s vital that parents exhibit healthy coping skills not only for their own health, but also to set positive examples for their children. Some healthy coping skills given by both Hart and Layton are maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes proper eating habits, exercise, rest, relaxation/ meditation techniques, constant positive affirmations, building a social support system of trustworthy individuals, or seeking professional help. When parents properly maintain their stress, children are more likely to have higher grades in school, develop positive relationships with peers and authority figures, develop self-confidence, develop positive expressions of love/care, and effectively communicate problems they are experiencing.

Parents practicing healthy coping skills cultivates positive parent/child relationships and serves to teach children valuable life lessons in stress management.

SOME WAYS TO KEEP THE STRESS AWAY

Ƚ Eat well Ƚ Get proper sleep Ƚ Take time to rest

and relax

Ƚ Exercise Ƚ Practice

mindfulness

Ƚ Use positive

affirmations

Ƚ Grow your

support system

Ƚ Spend time with

friends

Ƚ Seek professional

help if needed

Saturday,May7 10AM-4PM LSUS