With baby girl turning one a couple weeks ago I’ve been reflecting on her first year of life. Not only that but on my nearly 11 years as a parent so far. With six children there are some things that I feel I’ve “mastered” pretty well. Well, as well as you can master them I suppose. But there are several things I’m still learning. One thing I’m constantly working on is trying to manage stress. I love my children and love spending time with them, so I want to be the happiest mom I can be! Today I’m talking about tips for how to manage stress as a parent. I’m also sharing with you some great products that can help! This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx and its associated partners, all opinions are my own. Some links contain affiliates.

recognizing your triggers to help manage stress

Do you notice something that regularly makes you lose your cool? Knowing what your triggers for stress are can be lifechanging. Because then that means you can have control over it. Today I’m sharing what my triggers for stress are and what I have found helps me to overcome them. I hope they help for you too!

| Read here for my tips on not feeling busy! |

what should no parent have to stress about? a sick child.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), which serves children & families all around the world. But did you know that RMHC is passionate about educating and supporting new parents? RMHC is committed to being an active participant in the health and well-being of the families they work with.

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To accomplish their goals, Ronald McDonald House Charities® operates three core programs. These help provide not only accommodations for families with children in need of medical care, but so much more.

● Ronald McDonald House® programs are a home away from home that provide comfort, support and resources to families who travel far from home for the medical care their child needs.
● Ronald McDonald Family Room® programs provide comfort to families right in the hospital, giving them a private place to relax or decompress.
● Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® programs bring medical, dental, and health care resources to underserved communities where they’re needed the most.

tips for managing stress as a parent

keep things clean

This might surprise you since I have six children but chaos drives me crazy. I can’t stand mess and clutter. So I have found that keeping a tidy house really helps me manage stress on a daily basis. One thing that constantly seems to pile up is laundry–after all, we’re a family of eight! I love OxiClean Free and Clear because it’s tough on every stain your baby throws at you; but it’s free of dyes, perfumes, chlorine, and optical brighteners. Using this baby safe stain remover gives me peace of mind while keeping my laundry mountain at bay. You can easily shop OxiClean at Target!

| Read here for some of my cleaning hacks! |

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Of course, while cleaning with kids around sometimes you have to be able to juggle. If you’re a new mom you should really consider baby wearing, it can make your life so much easier! I’m loving this baby wrap carrier from KeaBabies! It’s lightweight and has the perfect stretch to keep my little one close to me. It’s even great for little ones up to 36 months so I can use it for awhile! KeaBabies also makes a 3-in-1 Postpartum Recovery Support Belt. I wish I’d had one after giving birth each time because it helps realign the body postpartum and helps correct your posture. You can use the code “littledove” for a 10% discount on any of their awesome products sitewide at keababies.com! And be sure to check out the KeaBabies Community on Facebook.

stick to a schedule

A good routine is so important, especially as a new parent! In my experience, both momma and baby will thrive on some kind of a schedule. An essential part of our schedule at home? Bedtime. When you’re ready for your baby’s bath reach for Baby Magic Gentle Hair and Body Wash and Gentle Baby Lotion. Parents have been trusting Baby Magic for more than 65 years with their most precious moments. Their products contain extra-soothing ingredients like Aloe, Coconut Oil, Calendula Oil, Shea Butter, and Vitamins A, B, and E that are perfect for your baby’s soft skin.

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Another good part of a naptime or bedtime routine is reading a story. I recently was able to review a copy of Rock from the Sky, by Jon Klassen. This new book put out from Candlewick Press covers friendship, fate, and looking towards the future. The simple illustrations lend to the story without distracting from it and let my kiddos use their imaginations as we read. My seven year old especially thought it was funny. She read along with me and laughed at the things that the characters did and said.

help your kids learn how to manage stress

Earlier this year I heard a quote that really resonated with me:

Until we can calm down we can’t help our children self-regulate.

I had never thought about that before! So, learning to self-regulate and manage stress isn’t just important for our own health–it’s important for our kids as well! If you want to help your little ones and gain a better understanding of emotional intelligence for kids then check out Hoppy & Poppie PinkCheeks.

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I received the Hoppy & Poppie PinkCheeks Gift Box for my little ones. The gift box is the ultimate emotional intelligence bundle for babies and preschoolers. It comes with two board books, two soft plushes, a character blanket, youth-sized wristbands, and instructions on how to implement everything with your kids. Basically, the set gives your children everything they need to help their ability to emotionally adapt and thrive. I love being able to sit with my children and use the Hoppy and Poppie PinkCheeks tools to discuss their emotions. You can even go to their website to check out their blog and sign up for a free Hoppy & Poppie PinkCheeks EQ Starter Guide. That email and the other two that follow are full of useful tips for how to teach emotional intelligence to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Use “Friend10” for a 10% discount through the end of May!

What do you do to help you manage stress as a new parent?