Please note: I am working with BetterHelp on a sponsored campaign. I am receiving payment for my work, but my thoughts are my own.
When my kids were toddlers one of the parenting methods that was all the rage was putting them into a time-out. If kids were acting up at home or when you were out and about, the threat of being put in a time-out would be used to change the kid’s behavior. The whole purpose of a time-out was to try to change the child’s mindset. In addition, it would give them a chance to catch their breath. It was a time to think about their actions and calm down to be able to think about what is frustrating them.
Unfortunately, most of the time-out threats were just that. Parents would not really put their child in a time-out. A lot of parents would say it never really works, but they would use the idea to have their child calm down. It may not be the best option for a toddler, but what about parents? Could they use a time-out? I feel like parents could benefit from them from time to time.
Using The Time-out Method For Parents
You might be rolling your eyes reading that headline, but what if you found a way to use a time-out to not only better yourself, but be a better parent? Think about why the time-out method was created. It was to help someone get into a calm, and neutral space to halt negative behaviors. In addition, time-outs allow someone to help control their emotions and reinforce boundaries. All of these benefits helped with taking care of your mental health. When you are able to work on mental health you are not only taking time for yourself, but you can be the best for your friends and family.
Taking A Time-out Or Time-in For Your Mental Health
Just like any fads or trends there is some evolution in those fads deepening how long they stay in society. Parents were actually evolving the time-out to a “time-in.” A time-in was going a step further from the time-out method. Instead of leaving your kid in a corner of the room by themselves, you would sit them down and talk to them. You would be there to listen to the things that they were struggling with at that moment. It is a way for them to talk about their feelings. There were many benefits from this method. Your child has a place where they could talk about their emotions, feel safe, and understand their actions through connection. Plus it would help teach them self-control, communication, and self-regulation.
As parents we look to provide the very best for our kids. Why not use that same ideology for ourselves? We can practice what we preach. BetterHelp can help you with your own time-ins. With BetterHelp you can talk to a therapist to help manage the stress and emotional toll of parenting. On top of that you can chat with someone from BetterHelp about advice on behavior management or managing emotional challenges within the family. Parenting might not come with an instruction manual, but BetterHelp can be there for you to manage your own stress and be there for you when you need to talk to someone. You will not only feel good about yourself, but it will help you be there for your family.
BetterHelp Is There For You
BetterHelp’s network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists has helped over 6 million people worldwide take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. BetterHelp is committed to expanding access to therapy globally. You can get 10 percent off by going to the following site over at betterhelp.com/artoffatherhood.