Is your life a little more stressful now that the kids are homeschooling? Did quarantine boredom give you one more mouth to feed? Where did you put your keys and that lukewarm cup of coffee?  

Whether you’ve been a parent for years or were just blessed with the new title last year, being a mom or dad is hard — more so than you ever thought it would be. So how do you manage your stress and be the best mom or dad you can be?  

Well, there are quite a few things you can do.

1. Create a Routine

Both you and your children can benefit from creating a routine. Use schedules and to-do lists to add some stability and predictability to your life, which is a blessing during stressful times. Even establishing times to wake up, eat lunch and go to bed can help regain control over your more chaotic days. Remember to include your child in the schedule-making to encourage decision-making and pro-social behavior.

2. Play

Playtime isn’t just for kids, you know. Adults need time to unwind, too. Hobbies and other fun activities give you a chance to express yourself, exercise your creativity and blow off steam. If you enjoy them long enough, you may even experience a state of being that some call flow. This meditative state can decrease stress and replenish your mind, body and soul. What other reason could you possibly need to play?

3. Give Good Directions

You want your kids to do what you ask, but sometimes even getting them to put on shoes is like pulling teeth. However, getting them to listen may be as simple as giving better directions. Make sure your demands are realistic given your child’s current mood and energy level. Make eye contact and ask them to complete a single task requiring three steps or less. You might be surprised at how well they respond and how quickly your stress disappears.

4. Establish Me Time

Many parents experience some form of guilt when they take time for themselves. Yet, alone time is essential if you want to manage your stress and be a fantastic mom or dad. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Love yourself and your whole family better by establishing me time every day. Spend those few minutes or that solid hour to take a bath, read a good book, go on a walk or simply enjoy your morning coffee.

5. Tend to Your Needs

Sometimes, it’s OK to put your wants and desires on the back burner. However, you can’t do the same with your basic everyday needs. Stress has a way of making you forget to eat, hydrate and even brush your teeth. If you don’t do these things, you’ll have bigger problems to deal with — like cavities and gum disease — which will only make life more stressful. Therefore, it’s best to prioritize and tend to your needs. You want to avoid the need to get a root canal by dentists in Marlborough ma at all costs, as this stress will only add to your downward trajectory.

6. Limit Media Exposure

In a world where a global pandemic, political unrest and racial injustice is rampant, it’s wise to limit your media exposure. Of course, you’ll want to stay up to date on breaking news, but you don’t have to doom scroll through every social media platform. Doing so only heightens stress levels and can even cause cardiovascular ailments years later. Instead, choose to watch the news a few minutes each day and check your feed sparingly during major events.

7. Find a Community

Social distancing doesn’t rule out being social. Whether you feel like you're managing stress well or are losing your mind, staying in touch with friends and family can significantly boost your mental health. Connect with loved ones over video chat and find a few close friends in whom you can confide. Share your parenting struggles and ways you can all minimize stress. Join a Facebook group for parents. Find a community. Be vulnerable. Then, watch the stress melt away.

8. Take a Time Out

When all else fails — and it inevitably will — take a time out. This strategy works for your kids and it will work for you. If you know you’re about to lose it, physically leave and decompress away from your child. Doing so will give you time to clear your head and respond calmly. Choose a breathing technique or other stress-relieving practice for your time out so your body and mind know to relax.

Giving Yourself Grace

Considering chaotic current events, now is not the time to judge your parenting harshly or expect yourself to be the best parent ever. Lower your standards and give yourself some grace. If your kids watch more television than they did last week, so be it. You have too many things to worry about, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Give your energy to the happy moments and everything you’re doing well. The more you do, the less stressed you’ll be.