You’ve probably seen the stat ‘98% of the occupations in the world are less stressful than being home alone with young children‘ popping up in your feed. Let’s unpack it.
By Mama Disrupt®
Between the tantrums, the endless snack demands, and the existential dread of finding another rogue dinosaur in the toilet, being a mum to young kids sometimes feels like wrangling a pod of hungry hippos in a hurricane.
Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the gist.
Psychologist and best-selling author Rick Hanson really gets the rollercoaster of mothering little ones. He lays it out there, saying, “that 98% of the occupations in the world are less stressful than being home alone with young children or managing the day-to-day activities.”
Talk about a truth bomb!
The whole cortisol cocktail of stress we mums know too well – from feeling out of control, to those non-stop interruptions, and the emotional tornado of caring for our mini whirlwinds – it’s all part of the gig.
Hanson nails it, pointing out that unless you’re in the thick of high-stakes jobs like policing in the city’s heart, serving in the military, or running the show in an ER, your 9-5 is likely a walk in the park compared to the mum hustle.
Here are a few ways to help you survive this season.
“THE NEXT TIME YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’RE DROWNING IN A SEA OF TOYS AND TANTRUMS, TAKE A DEEP BREATH.”
1. Build your village
Remember, you’re not in this alone. Lean on your partner, family, friends, and local support groups. Share the load, vent your frustrations, and celebrate the victories together. A strong village makes even the mightiest tantrum seem smaller.
2. Embrace the messy
Perfectionism is the enemy of joy, mamas. Let go of the Pinterest-perfect nursery dreams and accept that sometimes, dinner might be goldfish crackers and laughter (okay, and maybe a few meltdowns). Focus on creating happy memories, not spotless houses.
3. Me-time matters
Schedule moments for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes with a good book and a cuppa. Take a walk, join a gym class, or chat with a friend. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill yourself up first.
4. Laugh it off
Sometimes, the only way to deal with the absurdity of it all is to laugh. Find humour in the chaos, share funny parenting memes with your fellow warriors, and remember, laughter is the best medicine (even if it comes with a side of drool).
5. Celebrate the small wins
Did your little one finally use the potty without an audience? Did they actually eat a vegetable without complaining? Do a victory dance, mama! Celebrating small wins reinforces positive behaviour and reminds you of the amazing progress you’re making.
Remember, you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving. You’re raising tiny humans, shaping their little lives, and building an unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime. So, the next time you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of toys and tantrums, take a deep breath, remember these tips, and know that you’ve got this.
Sign up to our newsletter for weekly mama goodness delivered straight to your inbox, like the VIP that you are.
