1. Five Quick Tips for Managing Parental Stress
Virginia Cooperative Extension

2. What stresses you?

3. Stress is a human reaction to change

4. What stresses you? Too much input (technology, texting, phone)
Other people (children, mates, parents)
Money (never enough)
Schedule too packed
Ongoing crisis
Sudden crisis
Other

5. Video scene – A typical day? One Fine Day
Watch and discuss sources of stress (take notes if you like!)

6. Tip One Understand How Stress Works

7. Tip One Take Care of Yourself

8. How to Manage You can modify or change the stressor or your situation
Change your perception of stressor
Accept some things
Look for the positives (the blessings)
Practice forgiving self and others
Seek resources or support
Comfort place to be alone
Talk through your feelings with someone
Take care of yourself
Exercise, movement, stretching good nutrition for energy

9. Tip Two – Money and Shopping
Prepare before you leave the house
List
Expectations to children
Well fed, well rested
Hand toys, snacks
Prepare before you leave the car
Reminders
Giving a job
Tactile (Broccoli)
Finding items in store, noting colors
Worst case scenario
Leave store, and cart

10. Tip Three – Getting out the Door
Bedtime routine the night before
Prepare the night before
Laying out clothes, packing lunches
List on door (concrete visual)
Alarms, starting a bit earlier
PJs to school

11. Tip Four - Take 10 to save Twenty
Spend at least 10 minutes with your children right after you get home.
They have missed you
Spend the time on an activity that they choose
Get down on the floor with them, and give them all of your attention.

12. Tip Five – Having a Support System
Whether you are a new parent or a caregiver of your parents, have a support system
Call on friends, family, religious organizations
Get help with your roles as caregiver, manager of finances, chauffeur
Don’t be a martyr, seek support!

13. Questions Referrals for parents who may need a little extra support
What additional information may be helpful?