10 Tips for Stress-less Parenting

Author, Brenda Nixon, empowers new parents with education and encouragment in new book, Parenting Power in the Early Years.

[ClickPress, Mon Jan 15 2007] Stress is anything perceived as out of one's control. Brenda Nixon, M.A., adopted this definition because "it explains why everyone stresses 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," she explains." It's like comedian Martin Mull once quipped, 'Parenting is like having a bowling alley in your head.'” Sometimes parents are frazzled when they don’t understand a kid's behavior or what’s normal for the age. Often it’s because parents second guess their own childrearing skills.

As an educator, working with thousands of young parents, a professional speaker, and as a mom, Nixon realizes the stress, guilt, frustration and even panic involved in raising kids today. But, she says, "Knowledge is power and, the more we know, the more we’re able to respond in a calm, confident, competent manner."

To empower new parents with education and encouragement, Nixon 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. This knowledge can take some of the stress out of parenting.

She assures readers, "there’s no one right way to parent. All kids are unique and there are many resourceful ways to raise them." But, even after parents have tried their best, there are still times they feel vexed. That’s when Nixon's wit and wisdom kicks in. She advises parents to 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.

• Nurture yourself; take a break to 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.

Albert Einstein said, “Sometimes what counts can’t be counted, and what can be counted doesn’t count.” Nixon says that this applies to parenting. As indicated in Parenting Power in the Early Years, real power comes when parents relax enough to enjoy their kids – the spontaneous free time with them counts! "It’s giving children what they really need," says Nixon. Parenting is your brief opportunity to learn, laugh, love, and grow in new directions.
"Don’t fret over all the 'right' clothes, toys, schools, or fads – those don’t count in the long haul," counsels Nixon.

Nixon, lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. She is available for media interviews and offers free parenting articles at her website www.brendanixon.com.

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