When You Need a Time Out: Tips for Frustrated Parents
Sometimes as a parent, you get frustrated. Even the best and most patient of parents can need a time out from time to time. It’s a tough job that puts a lot of stress and pressure on you and it’s important that you don’t discipline or punish in anger. If you feel like you’re going to lose your cool, you need to take a little break and then come back to the situation.
Here are some things you can do when you need a time-out:
- Count to ten – Stop what you’re doing and slowly count to ten. Don’t rush it. Take your time with each number and breathe deeply as you do it. Allow your mind to calm. Some people like to do this but count backwards, calming themselves as the numbers count down lower.
- Meditate – When you feel angry or upset, go to a quiet place and meditate or pray to calm your nerves. There are many different ways to do this. If it’s new to you and you’re not sure where to begin, you could use some pre-written prayers or meditation chants to lead your way.
- Enjoy a hobby – You can take some time to do something you enjoy. Take a few minutes to one of your hobbies to distract your mind and calm your emotions. Play some music, knit, dance, play a game, or draw or color for a few minutes as a parental time out.
Maybe all of these ideas don’t resonate with you, or only some of them speak to you. You can always take these ideas and expand on them, or use them to help you think of some time out ideas of your own.
Do you have any tips to share with our readers? Please share in the comment!
These are great tips and yes we all get stressed and angry at some point, so it’s good to go and retreat and have some me time, before we regret anything!
Very simple tips to calm down, yet not many people remember use them. Thanks
That is so true!
Colouring for a few minutes sounds like a great idea!
Meditation is huge! It also helps the kids if they practice it with you!
Good tips for calming yourself down. I always liked to go into the garden to do some work, that helped me calm down. 🙂
Love the idea of going into a garden, so peaceful!
i think the hardest part for ap arent is giving yourself permission to be frustrated. its ok to need a break!
So true!
Just the ability to step away. I have to remember to do that more!
Yes, it’s better to step away versus making a bad comment and regretting our actions.
I find hobbies very helpful in stressful situations.
Parenting is tough. I pray and meditate to help me calm my nerves.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!