Parenting and mental health

[RidChlo88]

Does anyone have any tips on parenting with anxiety/depression? I am finding things really difficult and I don't want my mental health to have an impact on my children. I get stressed and anxious over the slightest thing (challenging behaviour, bedtime etc) and I feel like I'm failing. Any advice would be massively appreciated.

Remind yourself that you can parent well while feeling low/anxious - I know it’s not pleasant but it doesn’t mean you can’t follow your values. You can still make good decisions alongside coping with anxiety, but I get it’s very challenging. Try to slow down and be present. Anxiety tends to make us rush things and just ‘get through’ whatever it is you’re doing. Take time to regulate yourself through exercise, breathing practice, yoga etc. this will help you to be more calm around the kids. You’re not failing, you are having a tough time. If you do ‘mess up’, the main thing is to say sorry and repair the relationship. Everyone makes mistakes and that doesn’t mean failure.