HOW TO PARENT WHILE SLEEP DEPRIVED

Being a parent is such an amazing and exciting experience. There are so many positive experiences to look forward to, and when you see your little one, you fall immediately in love. There are some downsides to parenting though, and one of the most common is when that exhaustion sets in.

Face it, you have been tired before, but this is new. This is a whole new level of tired, and that’s ok. After a few words of encouragement and realizing that it is totally normal to feel how you do, you will realize it’s time to start finding ways to cope and thrive as a parent, even though you are sleep deprived.

PARENTING WHEN YOU ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED

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AVOID STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

It is a good idea to avoid participating in stressful situations if you are feeling exhausted. There is no shame in staying home with your pajamas on and snuggling with your little one while watching a movie.

DON’T LET THE PRESSURE GET TO YOU

Parenting when you are sleep deprived can cause you to take the little situations, and totally blow them out of proportion. Don’t let the pressure get to you. It’s ok to make mistakes, and it’s important to know that.

DON’T BE SO NEGATIVE

A lack of sleep can totally change your mood. It is important that you avoid negativity as it will get to you, even more so when you are exhausted.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE

There is no shame in asking your partner, a family member or friend for help. Don’t ever think you have to do this alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, overtired and over stimulated, it is ok to find someone to help you out and allow you to have a rest.

DON’T OVER COMPLICATE THINGS

Keep life as simple as possible. There is no need to try to be supermom, you are already doing a great job.

PLAN LOW KEY ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR KIDS

When you are trying to parent while sleep deprived, taking on trips to the local zoo or shopping at the mall will not end well.  Plan low key activities with your kids like reading in bed together or watching a movie.

Being sleep deprived can change your entire outlook on life. It is important that you aren’t too hard on yourself and that you take that much deserved time you need for yourself. You need and deserve the rest.

Try using a noise maker or sleep mask to help you get much-needed sleep when you are able to sleep.  This way every little creak that your house makes or the lights from the sun or passing vehicles won’t disturb your sleep.

You may also like this post on STRESSED OUT PARENTING:

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