If you find yourself losing your temper more than you’d like, there are methods to manage these emotions. Licensed marriage and family therapist Cassidy Freitas, who is also a mother of three, offers guidance on finding calm in chaotic moments. Her advice centers around discovering small breaks, referred to as ‘the margins,’ in your day.

Freitas, in her June release Mom Needs A Moment, explains how essential these spaces are. They allow parents to recalibrate emotions, improving interactions with family. With modern parents facing increased demands from work and childcare, this approach can be vital.

Common Parenting Scenarios and Solutions

The stressed morning: You’re inundated with tasks. Your older child is running late for school, your younger one needs attention, and your keys are missing. Solution: Place your hand on your chest as a signal to pause. Take slow, intentional breaths. This helps to reset your nervous system. Reflect on the situation; determine if deeper concerns are contributing to your anger.

Choosing between personal time and parental duties: You’re torn between attending a work event or being home for your child’s bedtime. Solution: Consider what advice you’d give a friend in this position. Sometimes, creating personal space can have positive long-term effects. Emotions serve as informative signals about alignment with personal values; consider what is truly important.

Managing frustration during chores: You’re close to ticking off your to-do list but face constant interruptions from your children. Solution: Acknowledge your mistakes to your children when you lose your cool. This encourages an environment of understanding and allows children to see that making and amending mistakes is part of growth.

Freitas emphasizes that outbursts can offer learning opportunities for both parents and kids. Moreover, apologizing helps strengthen bonds, teaching children valuable relationship skills.

Additional Resources on Parenting

• Guidance on equitable housework sharing, by Eve Rodsky and Jacqueline Misla.
• Tips for dealing with parental burnout.
• Strategies for returning to work post-family leave.

For more resources on managing stress and parenthood, reach out to Life Kit. Listen to their content on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Sign up for their newsletter and connect via email at [email protected].