High strung parent...am I the only one?

I used to be fun but now I'm so high strung that's I'm sure no one wants to be around me. I want to relax but I just don't know how.

For instance going away I'd rather no one come with us. I have a 2 and 4 yr old and when they are at acting up I feel like I'm always getting looks or being sized up whether parenting effectively. I am that parent who is always saying "don't do this, don't do that, stop that, etc" which sometimes makes situations worse but I get anxious. I feel like I always have a "who farted look" because I'm stressed and I don't want to come off that way.

Does anyone else know what I'm taking about? How do you relax and let things go?

High strung parent...am I the only one?

2 and 4 is hard at times. Especially because they both can talk..and 4 year olds never seem to shut up!

I try to just roll with the punches. I've become more accepting that kids are going to act like..well, kids. They are going to be into stuff, have lots of energy and curious about things. I just try to make it through the day alive, to be honest.

As far as other parents, I would let it go. Most of the time, no one really is judging you. It's usually looks of sympathy because they've been there!

Just think.....it's so much easier for YOU to roll with the punches, rather than get worked up about it, KWIM? Because whether you roll with it or fight it, the kids are still going to act the same, so you may a well go with it and enjoy it as much as you can.

Message edited 2/24/2013 2:27:07 PM.

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

Yes I know what you mean.

I also get stressed (may be even jealous) that DH can sit back an relax while carrying on a conversation and I'm the one looking like a lunatic parent. I need to just chill an day 'F' it in some way.

High strung parent...am I the only one?

Nope. I almost hate myself sometimes and feel like Friends and family are judging me. I have a tough kid with a lot of issues. I'm slowly accepting it is what it is.

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

Omg I have twin 2 1/2 yr olds and I am very aware that I need to relax I get so stressed out in public I hate going anywhere with them. Dh and I were talking about it today after a very crazy trip to the supermarket.

Anyone have any good ideas on how to relax and de stress. It so hard when you are fully aware of it and feel you can't control it and just relax or let it go

High strung parent...am I the only one?

Same here! I don't think I'll ever change it's just my personality. Funny thing is I'm almost worried someone will stare or say something and when they do I get so angry and tell them that's what kids do :P

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

i am totally tense too and i only have one. she is 20 m and i dread going anywhere or seeing people because i never know how she will act. she is somewhat stranger-phobic. i am pg with #2 and i only see my anxiety increasing

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

ha...you've pretty much described me and I only have one kid...

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

You have no idea how good it is to know I am not alone. I was starting to think I was strange because the smallest thing can set me into anxiety mode.

Re: High strung parent...am I the only one?

Got the same here 2 and 4..I can totally relate....

High strung parent...am I the only one?

My two youngest are 3 and 2 and I am totally anxiety ridden! I know it passes as I've been here before....I also have 14, almost 11, and 9 1/2 year olds. It gets better around 4 1/2 - 5. Now I am a hot mess when we are out in public or around other kids. My 3 year old is hyper and a "runner", so he will take off and I'll be running after him with my 2 year old. It's crazy sometimes. My husband is low key but he gets stressed when we take them out too..