As parents, we all have worries concerning our kids. Big Parenting Challenges! And, these are difficulties we as parents face on a daily basis. It is such a big part of parenting but fortunately there are ways to beat parenting stress. Let’s have a look at the most common parenting struggles and how to deal with it.
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- Be an Awesome Parent. 7 Super Simple Strategies.
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Most common parenting issues and their solutions
That is exactly what you will find in this post
- the 9 top parenting challenges we face in the 21st-century
- intentional parenting tips to deal with these worries effectively
What are some challenges families face
As parents our top concerns often include:
- worrying about giving our kids all they need
- worrying about doing the right thing for our kids
- and, worrying about their health and wellbeing
A lot of worries! Are you also concerned about these things?
And, when you are
- don’t worry, you are not the only parent with these daily worries, we all share them. Maybe in different terms and various degrees, but we all do.
The good news is
- there are ways to deal with it effectively. And we need to invest time and effort into discovering these actions.
I suppose it’s part of our parenting responsibilities, don’t you agree?
How I can be a more positive parent
As parents, we need to remain positive even at the most difficult times. When we try to view our daily struggles in a more positive light, it can actually make us better parents.
This is possible when we search for the reward of being a parent within these worries.
Wondering how to do that?
Have an action plan on how to deal with the daily parenting problems!
The things we worry about most
After reviewing all the most recent publications on parent worries, I collated the various concerns into groups for kids- and parent-related worries.
And where is the fun of reviewing lists when you can’t organize them into awesome acronyms! So here goes …
May BEAMS of light shine over you RESTing contently in the fact that you are an awesome parent … (-;
Want to boost your parenting awesomeness instantly?
Join the Awesome Parenting Challenge
Following that bit of acronym fun, it is time to discuss all these big parenting challenges:
- making sure we understand them and
- ensure access to the tools and tips needed to deal with it all
Biggest Parenting Challenges
We will kick this off by discussing the parenting challenges related to kids, looking at
- a description of the parenting struggle
- a quick fix solution on how to deal with it
Behavior
There are many worries we share, concerning our kid’s behavior. Across various surveys, the parenting challenges in this category that were voted most worrying include
- sibling rivalry
- public tantrums
- bad language use and
- bullying
Are you also experiencing these kids behavioral challenges?
We sure are! Our kids are constantly fighting. Period.
Sibling rivalry
This is one of the biggest struggles families face. And, there is no evidence to prove that it will soon change.
But if we worry about our kids fighting and being in constant competition AND it is not about to change soon, then what?
We learn to handle it!
And, here are great resources to help you do just that
- how to discipline a child with appopriate consequences
- siblings without rivalry
- siblings, you are stuck with each other, so stick together
- stop sibling rivalry
Sibling rivalry quick fix tip
It is not always easy but take a deep breath and think twice before you speak. Don’t let big emotions burn the bridge between you and your kids ...
Want some more great ways to be a power parent
- armored with the tools and know-how of handling difficult family relationships
- then give this a try
Public tantrums
Sure as the fact that siblings will rival, is the occurrence of public tantrums.
At some point or another, kids will test out their tantrum skills. Of course, much to the embarrassment and amazement of their parents … I have definitely been there, you?
Again a good parent does not need to know how to avoid tantrums, however, they need the know-how to correctly handle it.
And, here are some intentional parenting tips:
- The ultimate calming strategy that works anywhere and at any time
- The tantrum survival guide – I love this one and you will too!
- Parenting a child who has intense emotions
- 3 step tantrum strategy
Public tantrum quick fix tip
Learn to handle big emotions and remember even behind a tantrum there is usually a trigger. Identify these triggers and then try to avoid them or anticipate their effects.
Bad Language
Kids repeat things they hear. When babies start to talk, this is a great skill. Hearing them say mommy or daddy for the first time after you repeated it non-stop for days, is beyond special.
A truly magic moment we all treasure!
However, hearing them repeat one of your swear words at the church group is not that special…
And the sad truth is the majority of kids using bad language heard it at home first and then started to repeat it.
And the even more sad truth about bad language
Whether parents at this point continue to use bad language or not, does not have much of an impact on your kids’ future language use …
Why?
Because they already believe that it is appropriate to use bad words since their role models, i.e. their parents, used it. It’s all about first impressions …
And, secondly, they, unfortunately, continue to hear it outside the home.
So it has to be okay, right?
This, in their minds, proves that bad language is acceptable.
Oops …
hearing your two-year-old use a swear word is all of a sudden not that cute anymore, is it …
Using story books and help kids relate to the characters using bad words is a very effective way to help with kids swearing. Here are some of my favorite bad habit books to help you:
- the science of disgusting habits – brilliant book!
- Little bird’s bad word
- the Berenstain bears and the big blooper
Always remember, it is never too late to start correcting this problem.
Bad language quick fix tip
Stop using bad language in your home today and lead your kids by example. When they are old enough, be sure to have a discussion around the benefits of good language despite what others do outside your house.
Join the best Awesome Parent Challenge now!
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And then there is Bullying
Wow, where do I even begin with this difficult topic?
Bullying is such a relevant and common challenge for us as parents that I can not possibly discuss the solutions in short here. It deserves a lot of thought, research and action plans, to teach parents to handle it effectively.
I think another post has just been born… In the meantime, be sure to check out these super useful posts covering
- what bullying is
- survival guide to bullying – written by a teen
- stick up for yourself
- the longterm effects
- how to handle bullying – a great free download
- 8 Keys to end bullying
Also check this out:
Little girls can be mean …
Education
The successful education of our kids is a constant concern. We want them to thrive at school and excel at everything. Unfortunately, they sometimes don’t…
Yes, this happens even when you have the most brilliant, most contentious child in the world. So, inevitably there will be a time you need help supporting their education.
Specifically, parents have worries about getting kids doing their homework and work hard at school. Knowing how to successfully educate our children from a young age helps.
Top Education tips
- discover their learning styles and implement strategies and activities to help them to learn
- boost their brain power and memory with superfoods
- manage their time and provide the opportunity for brilliance
Also keep in mind
The excessive allowance of screen time negatively impacts your child education in more ways than one. You can read more about screen time limits here.
Education quick fix tip
Discover powerful learning toys according to the developmental stage to boost kids’ learning at all ages. Providing you with educational activity options.
Autonomy
Teaching our kids self-sufficiency is what parenting is all about. Sadly, these skills do not come easily.
It is a daily struggle to get them to effectively clean their teeth, get dressed by themselves and get them toilet trained.
Luckily there is a lot of great information out there to make these jobs just a little bit easier. Expert parents who have already been through the process love to share their do’s and don’ts. So make sure to tap into these great resources.
Here are some actionable tips you will love
Meal times
Meal times are a big headache for many parents at many a time. Kids don’t want to eat this, they don’t want to eat that. Their favorite food today is avoided by all means tomorrow … sounds familiar?
The most common child belief has to be
fruits and vegetables should only grow on foreign planets and are definitely not suitable for human child consumption …
Bothersome versus concerning food statements
I can’t possibly eat anything more, Mommy … this, after eating two bites from their plate.
- mostly just annoying when your 5-year old says this
- extremely worrying when your teenage girl voices this
Immediate resources to help you here
- how to know when teenager eating preferences need your immediate attention and
- how to ensure healthy eating habits
- helping your child with picky eating
- discover food chaining
Table manners
How many times do you need to ask your child to use their knife and fork? Seriously …
How can they forget to say please and thank you from one night at the table to the next? I hear you!
We all do!
Table manners quick fix tip
An easy way to train our kids the best table manners is to use
- brilliant games like these
- 50 fun table manner tips for kids – also available to read on Kindle
Sleeping habits
Getting to the stage where kids stay in their beds at night and sleep through is tricky. It usually tests our patience and willpower.
And, there are many different recommendations on how to get this right. But how do I know which one will work for me?
This is how:
You try them all out until you find the one that works for you!
Every parent and every child is different and just because one parent firmly believes in the efficacy of a certain sleeping strategy for their child, does not mean it is going to work for you.
As parents, we need to know from day one that it is okay to do whatever is working for us as a family. Withing reasonable limits off course …
A wise tip
Never judge other parents for making things work in their way.
Just because their 3-year-old still sleeps in the bed with them, or their 5-year-old has to drink chocolate milk every night to sleep, does not mean they are bad parents. They are simply doing whatever they have to, to survive parenthood. And that’s okay!
As parents, we all know what the right and the wrong way of doing things are but sometimes we just need to break the rules and get some sleep!
Great sleep resources
- baby wise – I raised my kids using the strategies in this book. And I can honestly tell you, it works! Grab it now and get some sleep tonight!
- tips on sleep training for your baby
- solve your child’s sleep problems
- secrets to help kids sleep on their own
The strategy in this book empowered me as a mommy and ensured we all got enough sleep! And, it will help you too!
It’s a number 1 best seller for a reason …
Waking up time
Getting everyone out of bed and ready for the day surely proves difficult from time to time. The best to way handle this, is to make sure the kids get enough hours of quality sleep.
Going to bed early is one of the most effective ways of ensuring a smooth morning routine. And this also holds true for parents. Get enough sleep, rise a bit earlier in the morning. And, be more patient and kind in the process of getting everyone out of the house.
You can find great morning routine hacks and tips here.
Another great parenting tip is teaching your kids the value of being kind.
Make this easy by grabbing a copy of the 50 Family Kindness Hackness.
Biggest Parenting Challenges
Now that we understand the kid’s related parenting challenges, let’s dive into the concerns linking to us as parents. Specifically our
- resources
- skills
- emotional intelligence and
- very importantly, our time management skills
Resources
During a survey of more than 2,000 parents, the majority were found to be worried, whether they will be able to afford things their kids need. And the simple answer, applicable to most of us, is NO!
You can not possibly afford everything your kids needs or wants.
And, you know what – that is perfectly fine! It does not make you a bad parent!
You don’t need to buy kids all they need or want.
Often it is very easy to make different plans to provide necessities and definitely luxuries.
Wondering how?
Well, the simple answer is, be creative.
Being creative ideas
- create games with everyday household items
- transform old clothes into fashionable new ones
- invest in smart toys only
Examples of the Magic of Creating New Things from the Old
Your daughter probably loves having a new handbag just as much as mine does. But it can sometimes be quite expensive keeping up with the latest trends. So why not sew a new one from your old jeans rather than spending a lot of money on a new one?
Make it super special by adding her initial or favorite shape on it, and she’ll think you are the best parent ever!
Have you ever tried making Halloween costumes together. Not only will you save money, but you will also have lots of fun together. Have the kids volunteer ideas and help with painting and creating.
How is that for dealing with your parenting challenges like a rockstar!
This is the kind of attitude you need to adopt to provide kids with everything they need and want, without breaking the bank. You will be amazed at the value of creating a mission with your kids.
These are the kind of things power parents do to provide their kids with everything they need AND want!
Know it all
Parents also listed, as one of the biggest parenting challenges, their inability to know the answers to all the questions their kids have. But you know what, you do not need to have all the answers. No parent does!
Luckily we live in an era where information is freely available. The internet provides us with invaluable parenting help and tips.
Yes, you might not have the answer right away, but research a topic and revive a discussion that previously made you uncomfortable. Just remember to choose good sources when looking for answers. Wikipedia should rather not be valued as an evidence-based resource …
So choose your resources wisely! Like this great blog for instance …
Top tip
Remember your treating doctor, local clinic staff and psychologist are always available to lead you in the right direction when you need help. More often than not you can access all these medical professionals at your child’s school.
As a Special Bonus you can grab the 50 Family Happiness Hacks Jumbo-list
You will find a lot of inspiration for great activities with your Family on this free list.
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Emotional intelligence
Are all parents intelligent?
Yes of course!
Are all parents emotionally intelligent?
unfortunately, not always …
And, it is not because we lack emotional intelligence, it is simply because we are tired, and stressed and therefore impatient and irritated…
Patience is a virtue secret, well-kept by the non-parent guardians.
We all get upset, we all get to the very end of our staying power. It’s normal. The best of parents sometimes lose their nerve. The problem is not as much the loss of our endurance as it is, how we react to it.
And, also our ability to rectify the situation with limited damage.
The best emotional intelligence resources
- 21 proven ways to improve emotional intelligence
- how to stop yelling and be a more patient parent
- developing emotional intelligence for kids – free on Kindle and audiobooks
- join the Awesome Parent Challenge
Amazon Audible free trial
Did you know you can get a 30-day free trial and read as many audiobooks as you can? This is a great way to find the latest parenting information for free! Why not give it a try, it’s free …
Skills
Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest motives for sometimes losing our spirit as parents. There is a reason why it is used as a punishment strategy by the military…
No human can cope with too little sleep. Not even you and I …
As we can not change the fact that from time to time parenthood results in sleep deprivation, we can surely have strategies in place to limit the negative results thereof.
Top sleeping habits
- Go to bed earlier
- Use the 4-7-8 breathing technique to improve the quality of your sleep
- practice yoga and meditation every day to relax during the day
- use these awesome mommy strategies to find 5 minutes in a day to perfect these tips
Stress
The big, nasty S-word …
Parenthood is unfortunately not the only stressor in our lives. We have to deal with a lot of stress related to work, family and more.
And, since stress is the norm of everyday living we need to learn to handle it better.
Top stress reducing hacks
- how to be a beautiful mom
- how to cope at the end of the rope
- the ultimate guide to a stress-free life
- great stress-reducing strategies
- how to use journaling to beat mom overwhelm
- 59 self-care tips for moms
Just remember, if you can’t seem to cope with day-to-day stress, get help!
You can get access to all the mentioned resources and more on Kindle. Try the first month FREE
My child is ill
Dealing with an ill child is a very difficult situation that often scares a lot of parents.
Being a medical doctor myself limits this challenge in my parenthood concern list. However, I have first-hand experience of parents looking for help and advice to better handle their ill child and would love to share great tips and hacks with you.
My best kept sick child secrets
Time management
Washing. Ironing. Cleaning the floors and windows. Our everyday household chores list is never-ending. But do not let this get you down.
A bit of dust on a window sill for one extra day is not going to kill anyone. Do what you can. And, leave the rest for tomorrow.
Put strategies in place to manage your time as a parent well and don’t be stressed out if things don’t run according to your plan. Get some awesome tips for the overwhelmed mom here.
Better time management will not only help you organize your home and time but also ensure your family starting their days and getting to work and school on time.
Without enduring yelling, rushing and unwanted tears…
Parenting struggles summarized
So this then concludes the list of biggest parenting challenges. I hope this information post will help you
- be aware of all the concerns we share and
- have a better idea of how to deal with it
Just remember, you will always have worries as a parent. Lots of them! But the important point is not which ones you have, or even how many. Having an action plan to deal with them is what matters.
So read, save and remember parenting tips and hacks like these to empower you as an awesome parent!
How do I make parenting easier
Anticipating these concerns, and preparing beforehand to deal with them, will take a lot of stress from your daily life.
Start being a less stressed parent by:
- understanding the parenting struggles you are facing
- have an action plan to deal with it effectively
- joining the awesome parent challenge and
- free How to master motherhood couse
- following posts like this one to help you enjoy being a power parent
Do you have any big worries as a parent, other than those discussed above?
Then please share them in the comments and let us all learn from your worries to be prepared for when it also hits us.
Top Parenting and Kids learning posts
- Be a Power Parent. This is how you can do it – discover the secret today!
- Top Learning Styles. Discover the steps to successfully educate your child every day.
- Unbelievably Smart Kids. This the How to Secret.
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