5 Things To Do Now to Become a Happier Parent
The Californer/10083148

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Californer -- Being a parent is one of the most important and rewarding roles a mother or father will experience in their lifetime.

BREATHE: Deep breathing is known for being beneficial for the body, mind and soul. Share this tool with your child. When you model connecting with the power of breathing and encourage your children to explore it for themselves, you give them a way to manage their own feelings and shift their mind-body state.

LAUGH: Kids are the best comedians around! Put your cell phone away and watch your child play for a bit. You'll be surprised at how often you'll find yourself laughing. Having a good sense of humor as a parent or caregiver makes kids healthier and better able to cope with challenges!

SMILE: Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together these three neurotransmitters make us feel good from head to toe. Surprisingly, a smile can bring you health benefits even if you don't start out feeling happy.

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MEDITATE: When people think of meditation, they often picture a Zen, scenic location, eyes closed and sitting still for hours. In fact, mindfulness meditation can be as simple as just taking the time to acknowledge your present moments and your thoughts. Set your intentions for the day by holding up your cup of tea or coffee, closing your eyes, and taking a few deep breaths.

Strengthen YOUR RESILIENCE: Life with children is truly unpredictable.  Think about yourself as a tree with strong roots and ability to adapt and respond to weather changes. Bouncing back and leaning into your strengths are what keeps us resilient to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Parenting is hard, but know that you are not alone. Parents Anonymous® offers both a National Parent Helpline and California Parent & Youth Helpline, which allows for you to speak to one of their trained helpline advocates and join an Online Support Group to receive trauma-informed evidence-based emotional support and resource referral. Call, text or live chat (available in both English and Spanish) 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736).  Learn more about the California Parent & Youth Helpline: https://caparentyouthhelpline.org/

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About Parents Anonymous®: The California Parent and Youth Helpline and online Parents Anonymous® Weekly Groups are the most recent addition to the Parents Anonymous® Programs. Learn more at: https://parentsanonymous.org/.

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