To say that parenting is hard is a massive understatement. It's physically and emotionally draining, there is no such thing as paid time off, and your good work often goes without reward. It's easy to feel stressed out when you're totally and completely responsible for another person's well-being. But the key is to not let that stress overwhelm you or interfere with your daily activities. There are effective ways to cope with parenting stress, that can help you get through the day (and night) without completely losing your cool.
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to be a good parent is to make sure you take good care of yourself. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, and squeezing in some exercise can give you the energy you need to tackle the dirtiest diapers or the toughest homework assignments. It can also help to find friends, relatives, or even a mental health professional to listen and help you put everything in perspective. But most importantly, remember to go easy on yourself. There is no such thing as a perfect parent, and most of the job requires you to learn and reevaluate as you go.
So if parenting has you stressed out, try some of the tips on this list to help you whether the storm and find a little more joy in the job.