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STAY-AT-HOME-PARENTING: HOW TO JUGGLE THE RESPONSIBILITIES
Stay-at-home parenting can become overwhelming by
its seemingly endless challenges when it comes to juggling the needs of
individual family members. While there a steady upward trend of dads or
moms taking the role as the primary caregiver, it is critical to ensure
that this role reversal is a positive experience.
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists offers
the following tips for fathers or mothers who are considering or are
currently
stay-at-home parents:
•
Stay Positive: The best way to assure that this will be a positive experience
is to remain confident and embrace your new role. If you are frustrated
or depressed about being at home, your children will notice and may reflect
your actions in their behavior. For your children to remain happy and
healthy, you need to be a parent who is proactive and proud to be staying
at home.
•Stay Connected: A primary fear stay-at-home parents often face
is becoming isolated. It is important to stay active by volunteering
at your child’s
school, starting a new hobby or being involved with sports. Get
connected with other full-time mothers or fathers by joining
playgroups that
meet on a weekly basis.
• Stay in Love: It can often be challenging for those whose spouse
or partner is the breadwinner, but this role reversal can be
successful. You and
your companion need to communicate on a daily basis by discussing
each
others’ expectations and showing appreciation for each
other. Be sure to schedule date nights and keep the romance alive.
•
Stay Informed: You have made the decision to put your career on hold
to raise your family. Stay in touch with colleagues and keep your mind
fresh by reading journals, attending meetings or going back to school.
Once you are ready to re-enter the workforce, you will remain a valuable,
resourceful, and knowledgeable professional.
•
Stay Balanced: Enjoy positive mental health by prioritizing home-related
responsibilities and personal time. Apply these tips for you and your
family to manage and improve your mental health:
•
Plan a getaway where family members can relax, rest and escape their busy schedules.
•Set
aside personal time read, walk, and be with friends.
•Engage in healthy eating and physical activity.
If you or your children are having a more difficult
time than normal getting adjusted to this new role and lifestyle, you
may consider seeking family counseling. A Marriage
and Family Therapist can address and modify constraints, help
family members communicate with one another in a productive way and
develop strategies to solve problems effectively. To locate a Licensed
Therapist, visit California's oline mental health resource at www.TherapistFinder.com. About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27
chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization,
representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
CAMFT provides www.TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public
looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For
more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.
Media Contact: Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7018 or (603) 219-6088
E-mail: tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
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