How do you avoid exhaustion in parenting? When I’m tired I tend to give into my children, but I know I should have firm boundaries.
If you are a parent or teacher, you can relate to Stephanie’s post in the ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group. When the kids are little, physical exhaustion develops just trying to keep them feed, bathed, and safe. When the kids are older, it is the mental and emotional exhaustion of guiding them to make wise decisions.
Wisdom in the Exhaustion
I am so thankful for the wise advice that Stephanie received. Here are just a few of the comments shared.
To avoid getting burnt out, make sure there’s time for you and God, time for you and your husband, and time for yourself to unwind. We’ve always kept “room time” when nap time no longer exists. An hour a day, where the kids are in their rooms, playing with quiet toys. That’s my time to unwind or catch up or work. Whatever I need to do in that moment. If the day’s been hard and I need a nap, I take a nap. Or if I haven’t had my quiet time, I put it there. –Christina
I was convicted to focus on the important things and do them well, and let the others go. We have 24 hours a day and that’s enough or God would have given us more. If we’re too tired to do the things we’re called to do, we need to reassess. –Stephanie
One of my go-to’s when my child has made a poor choice is to retreat to my bed for a few moments. This gives me time to think and calm down, and then discuss the situation with my child. –-Amy
Keep the end in mind. That always makes whatever discipline or boundaries I set in the present worth it to me. I ask myself, “How do I want my kids behaving in 5, 10, 15 years?” It may be hard in the present exhaustion, but kids learn quickly with consistency, and it PAYS OFF in the end. — Becky
Journaling has helped me release and not spazz out on my kiddos. Whenever I can find time I write about the current situation. Seeing the whole picture helps me change my response . –Afreen
I’ve trained my two children to listen and obey right away when I say “go to your room.” They stay there until I give them permission to come out, which gives me a chance to breathe, calm down, think through the discipline I may need to give. –Laura
How to Avoid Exhaustion in Parenting and Teaching
I noticed a pattern in all of the wisdom shared.
Soul Care:
1) Take time to be with God. Daily go to the source of strength and be refueled.
2) Take time to be with your spouse. Focus on what is important.
3) Take time for yourself to refuel and exercise.
Discipline Strategy:
1) Develop a discipline toolbox. A box of ideas to pull from so that you know what to do when the time comes (ie uh-oh, one liners). This removes the need to move into panic mode.
2) Keep the end in mind. When you are tempted to give in to your children ask yourself, “How do I want my child to act when they are 16?”.
Self Evaluation:
Do I need to reevaluate how I spend each day and reorganize some priorities?
Do I need to create a biblical plan for discipline?
Do I need to talk to a mentor or doctor to help me deal with the emotions that I am feeling?
If you desire to raise godly children, you will be tired. But a few ideas can remove the exhaustion and help your thrive.
Read More: 3 Point to Thrive in Motherhood
