September marks the back-to-school period for many children across the UK and the end of six weeks of holiday time for parents.
However, whilst it is a sigh of relief for children to go back to school for many, the end of the summer holiday stress can be just the start of a new set of pressures that comes with new term time.
How can parents process the stress of the summer holidays and cope with the potential factors that may occur in the upcoming school period?
Take Some Time Off
We understand that this is easier said than done for many, but parents should try and take some time to themselves after their children return to school – just a little “me time”.
This does not have to be an extended break or time period. Just enough time to sit back, relax and breathe.
Watch a film on the watchlist, get a bubble bath or read that book that’s been sitting on the bookshelf, anything you would enjoy.
Taking time off is essential for everyone, regardless of age, creed, or colour. So, parents who are feeling stressed should schedule some downtime for their own well-being as soon as possible.
Acknowledge Stress
Depending on the individual situation and circumstances, taking time off and doing whatever is on that wish list can be challenging.
But that does not mean feelings should be bottled up and left for another day. The small act of acknowledging stress and living in the moment is a mindfulness technique that can help limit stress’s impact on the body.
It allows the mind to accept stress, acknowledge that this needs to be tackled and sort this back into the mind to be dealt with healthily at the appropriate time.
Talk to Someone
If you are a parent who is feeling pressure or affected by stress, do not suffer in silence. Speak to someone whom you trust or can confide in.
Taking the time to voice concerns and stresses allows people to process their thoughts and emotions rather than unravel the ball of pressure alone, mentally. Verbalizing feelings with friends or family will enable parents to ask for help and show they are not alone.
Homework is hard, children can have parents worrying, and then there is finding a healthy life balance too. It can all become too much at times.
Talk to a Professional
Therapies and talking solutions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Parental Counselling provide a safe, confidential space for those with stress to develop tools with a trained professional without fear of judgement.
As a parent, it can be easy to feel like you are doing a lousy job or someone will have an opinion on how your child is raised. A professional setting allows parents to shed that worry and get to the heart of what they are experiencing.
Want to talk? Book a consultation with Dr Nick for your non-judgemental mental health check-up, or read essential mental health information at the Stronger Minds blog.
