5 Tips for Creating a Positive Parenting Mindset

When you’re a parent, it can often feel like not only do your needs come last, but your feelings do, too. You spend every moment making sure your kids are happy, and the burnout can feel real. So what can you do when you aren’t feeling quite up to it? While you can’t always turn around your mood, there are ways you can work to have a positive parenting mindset. Check out just a few of them below. 

5 Tips for Creating a Positive Parenting Mindset

1. Keep a one-line gratefulness journal

Start a small journal where you jot down one thing you're grateful for each day. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, even during challenging times, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and shift your mindset towards positivity. Research from the University of California Berkeley found that people who wrote gratitude letters reported significantly better mental health for weeks after keeping a gratitude journal than those who didn’t. Try following these nine tips to create a science-backed, mood-boosting journal.

2. Create a daily pick-me-up routine 

Morning time is often “me time” for parents. Design a routine that includes activities that bring you joy, such as listening to uplifting music, reading inspirational quotes or making your favorite morning beverage. These small moments of happiness help get your day started off on a positive note and sets the tone for an uplifting day. Not a morning person? Consider adding these 27 habits to your daily routine for happier days.

3. Practice mindfulness and positive affirmations

Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness through deep breathing, meditation or simply being present in the moment. Combine this with positive affirmations, repeating encouraging phrases to yourself, to build resilience in the face of challenges. While it might feel a little silly at first, phrases like “I am doing my best” and “I live a life rich with love” can become ingrained in your psyche and change your everyday perspective in the long run. Check out these 20 positive affirmations for parents.

4. Quit the comparison game

Recognize that everyone's journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others only leads to negativity and self-doubt. Penn State recommends eight key ways to stop comparing yourself to other parents. Chief among them: keep your focus on connection, harness your strengths, and temper your triggers — get off social media! 

5. Welcome imperfections

Contrary to how it may seem on social media, there are no perfect parents! Understand that imperfections are a natural part of life, and they don't define your worth. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace your flaws and mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. Remember that being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion is vital for maintaining a positive mindset, even in challenging times.