Can anyone give me some stress relieving tips?

Dolly - posted on 07/15/2011

Greetings

Oh yes this topic hits so close to my heart.
I was working full time and had 2 children in diapers.
I was beyond stressed !!!
My plate was running over !!!
What helped was child sharing.
My girlfriend at work would take my children on Friday night till maybe sat or sun so I could rest.
In return when I felt better I would return the favor.
Rest is everything....
Also yes praying in the morning and before you go to bed is a wonderful practice.
The lord knows what we can handle and will not give us anymore than that.

Tamyra - posted on 07/13/2011

I have been stressed alot lately myself. I have a 17 month old, 14 and 17 year old. My 17 month old has sensory disorder and speech issues. I guess I am blessed because my husband sends me downstairs almost every night after dinner to be online. He knows it calms me down to talk to other Moms. You definetly need time for yourself. I also say mini--prayers all day. I try to get up before my toddler does in the morning so I can have a few minutes alone. I hope things get better. Hang in there.

Linda - posted on 07/11/2011

Spend some time in prayer and reading the Bible before your kids get up. "The days are long, but the years are short". This is so true. We can be so stressed out while our children are young, and it demands so much from us physically. However, the emotional/spiritual trials when our children are teens/adults make me long for the days when my children were pulling at my pant legs! They grow up VERY quickly. ENJOY them NOW! Revisit your priority list. Sit down and play with them for a while. Maybe the house will not be as clean, but the home will have a sweeter atomoshere.

Heather - posted on 07/10/2011

I had twin girls and went through the same thing...x2! It was so frustrating, so I completely understand where you are at. I compiled a list of Scriptures that helped me to refocus on Christ even in the most stressful times. Then I posted them around my house and in my van. I also wrote them in a notebook to carry in my purse. God’s word is so important, it really does help to claim his word. I also play music constantly in our house; Usually hymns, praise and worship, or Christian classical music. It helps create a more soothing presence (and helps me take my mind off of any whining that might be going on). Anyway, I shared those Scriptures here a couple of years ago. If you're interested here they are: http://www.circleofmoms.com/christian-mo...

As far as suggestions that instead of putting your child in the crib (although if hubby is insisting I don't believe it is worth fighting over), try putting up a baby gate or two. We blocked off the kitchen so that I could cook and wash dishes without worrying about hurting the girls. It was my sanctuary for a while! The only reason I don't like the crib idea is because at 18 months my girls were climbing out of their cribs. We also had a playpen, I didn't like using the crib for timeouts because I didn't want them to think that was where they went when they were in trouble, but a safe place to sleep. However, after I have said all of that, I will let you know that I am far from a perfect parent. But we all get by by the grace of God.

Angela - posted on 07/10/2011

Would it help to pop him into one of those papoose child-carrying slings or frameworks that strap to the body? Then your hands are free to get on with your tasks or relax with a book or TV etc ... - but he's still got his mommy close by!

Tiffany - posted on 07/08/2011

Okay, I don't know if you'll like this or not, but I don't agree with your husband and MIL if they are offering it as a solution to the neediness. I do think it's what to do if you can't take it anymore and you are stressed to the point where you feel like you could hurt your baby. It's not going to break him of his desire for mom, but probably make him MORE clingy. Reasearch suggest that babies who are tended to when they cry and who recieve lots of phsyical closeness and attention tend to fuss more in infacy (when they learn you respond to them), but then as toddlers on are more secure and independant (because they know you will meet their needs). If you are his primary caregiver he is more attatched to you and it is normal for him to have seperation anxiety, to get frustrated and have a hard time regulating his emotions (especially if he can't communicate them) but not normal for him to scream all the time. Also as far as him being into everything that's really a good thing. It shows he's curious and inquisitive. He learns by touching, tasting, smelling, listening to everything around him. He has an internal drive to "find out more" so he's going to experiment and problem solve by "getting into everything." I am raising twin boys by myself, so I have serious compassion for the way you feel. But remember if it's that hard for you to regulate your emotions how much harder it is for him to do so. Part of him may want to be independant and try things himself that he may lack the ability to do and the other part of him just wants mommy and to be secure. It's a conflicting time for him. My advice...First babyproof anything you don't want him getting into. Ask for and accept help. And PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! Pray for peace that passes understanding. Pray for the fruits of the spirit. Pray for yourself and pray over your children.