Oh dear! Can I get over it? How can I ensure these obstacles do not affect my Parenting? 

Firstly remain POSITIVE!

It might be stormy and rainy now but it can’t remain the same forever. You can let the situation break you or use the opportunity to become a better person and make you stronger and wiser.

This too shall pass!  We learn when we face adversity, misfortune, calamity or distress. The sun will rise and the sun will set. It’s all about taking one day at a time.

We all go through stressful times which can lead to a breakdown or disruption in one’s usual or normal daily activities or family functions like an acrimonious divorce, financial problems, illness,  natural disaster, technological mishaps, man-made disasters, general unstableness, physical, emotional or mental challenges.

How to manage adversity, misfortune, calamity or distress that we face in life in order to avoid it affecting our families or our way of parenting.

We are responsible for the way we behave as adults, parents and caregivers.

·       Choose determination over desperation.

·       Speak positive affirmation at all times.

·       Be with positive people as often as possible.

·       Read and listen to positive videos, information, and people.

·       Take control over what you can and stop worrying about what you can’t.

·       Breathing exercisies, Yoga,  other forms of exercise and meditation are helpful.

·       Doing things that make you happy.

·       If it all becomes unbearable, do not be afraid to seek professional help or help from friends and family.  BBC – be brave, bold and courageous. Waste no time and take the necessary step!

·       If prayer is your way of life don’t give it up. Keep at it, have faith and believe that the neccssary change will happen.

·       If singing and dancing makes you happy, keep at it, don’t stop.

·       Change your environment, find new skills and take up new hobbies, volunteer in your local community and keep a good routine which will keep you busy and occupied.

·       Schedule a time to get things done and get connected to someone that will motivate you. Find a mentor or find a role model that you can work with.

·       Communicate with families and friends. Explain things to family and friends, in the way they will understand, it will help keep their demand and expectation down.

·       Help someone who is worse off than you. The secret of living is giving.

 

Chin up! Whatever those challenges maybe, no matter how big or small they are, they will be over one day. Try smiling, be thankful for the gift of life, people around you, and count your blessings as you sure will have plenty.

It’s not about comparing who has the greatest problem but it’s worth pointing out that we all have something in our life to be thankful and grateful for.

 

Authors: Elsie Anakwue, Rebecca Teichert