Feeling anxious or worried

Coping with anxiety or worry

Anxiety and worry about parenting is normal. The problem is when worry or anxiety becomes extreme. Then it can get in the way of your health and your parenting.

If you’re worried or stressed, talk to someone about it. Addressing any negative feelings can help you deal with them and avoid more serious problems later.

To avoid letting things get worse, you could:

• speak with a partner or friend at first
• try different ways to relax
• try to deal with the questions on your mind and then move on. Often questions like, ‘How will I pay that bill?’ or ‘What will I cook for dinner tomorrow?’ or ‘When will I do the shopping?’ buzz around our brains and worry us more then they should
• Keep a diary or journal to record your feelings and help identify a pattern of what upsets you
• Meet with your doctor if things seem more serious.

Video: How parents groups can help with anxiety and worry

18mb

‘It was my sanity’, says one mum of her weekly mothers group.

In this short video on parent support groups, Australian mothers and fathers discuss the benefits of parents groups. They can help you deal with some of the anxiety that comes with being a new parent by letting you see that there’s a big range of normal when it comes to child development. You can also connect with other parents and share your feelings and experiences, both good and bad. This can be a great support during the tough times.

 

• Rated10 ratingsRate this item
• FeedbackTell us what you think of this item
• Your story Share your parenting tips