Positive Parenting

Some days can be difficult to stay positive. We all know those days where everything that could possibly go wrong seems like it does and you just can't catch a break. All you want to do is get in bed and sleep it off so you can start over the next morning. Now take a day like that and add that to the long list of responsibilities that come with being a parent. How do you cope? How do you be the best parent you can be while having the worst day? Here are some tips on how to be a positive parent while you're not feeling so positive.

• Breathe: I know it seems silly but it really does work. When yet another bad thing happens during your day and your little one is watching you, close your eyes and take some deep breaths. Tune out your chid saying "mom, mom, mom" and take a second to feel your breath in your chest. Get over that initial wave of irritation with deep breathing so you don't snap at your little one accidentally.

• Let go and think about the positives: This one is definitely easier said than done, but works wonders if you can do it. Just let go of what happened. Say "so what?" So what if you got a flat tire going into work? At least you're safe. It'll really be okay if you're 20 minutes late to work. So what if your little one pooped out of their diaper and onto your clothes for the second time this morning? At least they're not constipated. It'll really be okay that you can't wear that new tie that you just bought over the weekend. Sometimes it's easier to let go of the negative and focus on the positive. There's no reason to dwell on something that you can't do anything about.

• Laugh: It's always easiest to laugh at yourself rather than get mad. That's what we always want to teach the kids right? Imagine you're walking out the door finally after having to go back in twice because your little one first forgot their favorite shoes and then had the sudden urge to poop. You're walking out, bend down to fix your shoe, and your pants rip right up the back. What should you do? Laugh. Laugh so hard that your stomach hurts and share that moment with your kids. Show them that this is something to laugh about and not something to get upset about. There will always be more pants, but never this same moment.

• Hug: Sometimes, when I'm feeling down or stressed about something, I ask the kids for some snuggles. Almost every time, I'll get snuggles for as long as they give them. Just that simple act boosts my mood enough to where I can forget about what it is I'm stressed about and be the best I can be for them. And if they ask why you want some snuggles? Tell them the truth. Say "I need some love so I can feel better." This way they know that when they are feeling down, they can always hug it out.

• Let it out on your own time: If you've tried all of this and nothing is getting you past this hump, let it out. Go into a room with a door, or go outside, or drive to a parking lot, and let it out. If you need a cry, cry. If you need to hit something, go hit something. If you need to scream, scream it loud. Do what you need to do to get rid of all that angst and start over. Sometimes breathing isn't enough and we need to physically let it out, so do it.

All these things together not only make you a better parent, but teach your children how to handle their emotions. If they see mom or dad yell at the driver that was texting while driving, they'll hold onto that and mimic the behavior. But if they see mom or dad take a deep breath and begin to problem solve when the car won't start, then they'll mimic that next time they try to stack some blocks but they just won't stack right. Kids are like sponges, so be sure the information you're giving them is what you want them to soak up.