Navigating Parenting Amidst Anxiety in Today’s World

The world can feel quite daunting these days. Whether it’s genuinely scarier than the past or if it just appears that way through the lens of constant news updates, the challenge remains to raise my three sons into courageous and compassionate young men. Indeed, there are unsettling events happening around us that can lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, making even the simplest tasks feel strenuous. However, I persist—parenting is a journey that demands resilience. Here are five strategies that help me navigate through anxious times while raising my boys.

1. Focus on What You Can Control

This is crucial. My father often reminded me that we can only control about 10% of what unfolds in our lives. This small percentage includes decisions about where to live, choosing a partner, and career paths. The rest? It’s beyond our influence, so worrying about it is fruitless. Recently, during a tornado watch, instead of spiraling into fearful scenarios, I prepped flashlights and snacks in our basement—reasonable precautions, just in case. Concentrate on what you can truly influence.

2. Assess the Likelihood of Your Fears

When my partner took our kids to a theme park, I found myself losing sleep over the potential for a mass shooting. I quickly realized, however, that the chances of such an event were minuscule compared to the likelihood of my children enjoying a fun day out. It helped to remind myself to cherish the joy, laughter, and memories they would create instead of dwelling on fear.

3. Communicate Daily Affection

Despite the morning rush, I’ve established a family rule that no one leaves the house without saying goodbye to me. This routine provides a moment for hugs, kisses, and well wishes. Even if the morning has been chaotic, those final exchanges are filled with love. In the unfortunate event that something goes wrong, I find comfort in knowing our last interaction was positive.

4. Savor the Little Moments

Our lives are made up of countless small moments. Take time to appreciate them! Observe your child’s small hands as they navigate dinner, or listen attentively to their endless “Mom, look!” calls. These moments—like pondering whether wind moves the trees or vice versa—are the essence of our days. Shift your focus from fear and embrace the beauty of the present.

5. Encourage Kindness Amidst Chaos

I recently stumbled upon the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” I wanted my sons to embody this sentiment, so we created a fun craft featuring their handprints and displayed it prominently in our playroom. It’s essential to acknowledge the world’s challenges (when appropriate) while also instilling values of kindness and empathy in our children.

Years ago, I confided in my mom about my fears regarding facing tragic events. She simply said, “You go on. Because you have to.” How true that is.

So, take a deep breath, open the door, and say “I love you.” Let’s keep moving forward together.

This article was originally published on July 29, 2016. For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out our other resources like this post about privacy and discover expert advice from Make a Mom on home insemination. Additionally, for comprehensive information on donor insemination, visit American Pregnancy.

Summary:

In an increasingly anxiety-inducing world, parents can find ways to cultivate resilience and positivity. By focusing on what can be controlled, assessing fears realistically, expressing daily affection, cherishing small moments, and promoting kindness, we can navigate parenting with grace and love despite the challenges.