Do you want to improve as a parent? Try doing less
Striving to succeed as a parent does not always mean filling your days with endless tasks. Here’s how less can truly be more when it comes to parenting.
These days, parents are under immense pressure to fit as many tasks as they can throughout the day. If you’re a mom or dad, then you have most likely felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. So you think to yourself, how can you improve as a parent?
Improve as a parent
According to psychotherapist Zoe Shaw, in an interview with YourTango.com, doing less each day will not hinder anyone from being a better parent to their kids. Here are some tips she believes can help parents take on less and actually achieve more as a parent.
1. Unplug from media that does not enrich you
Do you tend to wander aimlessly on social media or consume hours upon hours of TV and films? Why not try cutting back on entertainment time? This way, you can spend more time on pampering yourself or bonding with your kids. If your bonding time consists of movie marathons, then that’s fine. It’s a great way to make “meaningless” media special, by sharing it with your kids and, in some cases, using it as a learning opportunity.
2. Finish top goals early in the day
Choose two to three tasks each day that you absolutely need to get done and then get them out of the way as early in the day as possible. This will open up your day to focus on what truly matters, like spending time with your family.
photo: dreamstime
3. Make family a priority
Let go of tasks that take your focus away from family and those that do not make you feel fulfilled and happy. Reflect quickly on what a typical day is like for you. Are there tasks you can do without? Better yet, are there tasks you can give up to make you feel happier and more fulfilled?
4. Trust your gut
Do not underestimate the power of maternal and paternal instinct. If you feel like there is no reason why a certain task should be more pressing than the other, then re-evaluate your priorities. Cut the fat, so to speak. Eliminate the unnecessary burdens, to help give you more time and energy to focus on what’s important.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself
Be kind to yourself. Do not put too much pressure to be perfect 24/7. Parenthood is a journey of learning and discovery. Just keep loving your kids and keep striving to be better, while being forgiving when it comes to your own perceived shortcomings. Relax. Doing less can help you appreciate more!
sources: YourTango.com, Parents.com, The Guardian, The Pragmatic Parent
READ: Work-Life Balance: How to keep work stress from ruining your home life