10 Tips for Stress-less Parenting

Stress is anything we perceive as out of our control. I adopted this definition because it explains why we each stress over different issues: finances, traffic, health, work, weight, interruptions, family and friends.

It's the same with raising kids, we all feel out of control at times. Comedian Martin Mull once quipped, "Parenting is like having a bowling alley in your head." Sometimes we're frazzled when we don't understand our kid's behavior or what's normal. Often it's because we second guess our own childrearing skills.

As an educator, working with thousands of young parents, and as a mom, I realize the stress, guilt, frustration and even panic involved in raising kids today. But knowledge is power and, the more we know, the more we're able to respond as confident, competent parents.

To empower new parents with education and encouragement, I wrote Parenting Power in the Early Years (WinePress Publishing).From "Great Expectations" to toilet teaching to knowing if your child is ready for kindergarten, there are insights, answers and guidance on the first five years.

To begin with, there's no one right way to parent. All kids are unique and there are many resourceful ways to raise them. But, when you're feeling vexed, take heart and remember:

· All kids can and do misbehave.

· There are no perfect kids.

· There are no perfect parents.

· Physical affection is therapeutic; give and receive hugs.

· See humor (somewhere) in the situation.

· Take a break; exercise, listen to soothing music, read a chapter in a book, or enjoy a cup of coffee.

· Talk to other adults to ease your frustration.

· Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.

· Practice self-care; eat right and sleep when your kids do.

· Be kind to your kids; they'll choose your nursing home one day.