As a parent, you know firsthand the joys and stresses of raising a family. Juggling responsibilities, emotions and relationships can be overwhelming. Managing stress is crucial to maintaining emotional and mental well-being while nurturing a happy, healthy family.
We asked this father how he is able to manage stress, find balance, and cultivate a fulfilling parenting experience.
Kindly introduce yourself and tell us what you do for a living.
My name is Omezia Muhammed. I am a Manager at a company.
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I have four children. They are 17, 15, 12 and 9 years old respectively.
How do you typically handle stressful situations, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?
If I tell you that I go on vacation with my family, I would be lying because I barely have time for that. When I am stressed out, I call my wife and we gist. She is my best friend, and I discovered that spending time with her actually relieves me of physical and emotional stress, because we just talk over everything.
Can you recall a particularly challenging time in your life when you felt overwhelmed by stress? How did you cope?
Yes, this was after my wife gave birth to our first child. The few days before her mother arrived, I was so stressed out.
How has your approach to managing stress changed over time, particularly since becoming a father?
Before I got married, my way of managing stress lies with my pillow and football matches, but now, I spend time with my wife. This has helped me to create more bond with her.
How do you balance your work and family responsibilities to minimize stress?
There is time for everything, so, I try to create time to always spend with my family.
What are some strategies you use to separate your work and personal life?
The strategy I use is time management. My schedules can be tight sometimes, so for any free time I have, I often spend it with my wife and children so that when work becomes hectic, they won’t miss me that much.
How do you prioritize self-care?
By eating well and having good sleep.
How do you communicate with your spouse or family about your work-related stress, and how does she/they support you?
Like I said earlier, I communicate well with my wife and she often helps when the need arises.
How do you manage stress when dealing with challenging parenting situations, such as disciplining your child or navigating emotional outbursts?
Very well. But, I don’t allow my emotions to override the way I discipline my children.
How do you manage your own stress when your spouse or child is also experiencing stress or anxiety?
Patience – I remain patient and calm. At that moment, I don’t take any action.
Who are your biggest supporters when it comes to managing stress, and how do they help you?
My wife is my biggest supporter. We talk over it.
Have you ever sought professional help for stress management, such as therapy or counseling? What was your experience like?
No, I haven’t.
What are some activities or hobbies that help you relax and reduce stress?
I enjoy watching football and reading newspapers. They help reduce stress sometimes.
What are some common challenges you face when trying to manage stress, and how do you overcome them?
I don’t have any problem managing stress since my wife is always with me or I will just switch on the TV and watch highlights of previous football matches.
What are some ways you teach your children about healthy self-care habits and stress management?
I often encourage my children to sleep well and drink a lot of water any time they are stressed out.
Are there any resources or tools that you’ve found particularly helpful in managing stress? If yes, can you share with us?
Yes. Having a partner, like a spouse and a hobby.
What advice would you give to other fathers who are struggling to manage stress and balance their responsibilities?
They should create strong bonds with their families, eat and sleep well.