We were curious to get Samantha's perspective on how parents can support each other, whether that's online or in person. We also asked her about the type of support that parents appreciate the most from each other.
"Parents supporting each other go a long way towards making the difficulties of parenting more bearable. We can be actively supportive of each other, in person and online. Let your friend know she's doing great and she's not alone. These comments really do make a difference," Samantha from Walking Outside in Slippers told Bored Panda via email.
"I believe we often worry that we are being judged by other parents. When really, we're all just concerned with the job we are doing," Samantha said.
"So we want to hear that we're not alone, especially when things get tough and we're not sure how we're doing."
It's inevitable that we'll have really bad days every once in a while when it feels like everything's falling apart at home. Bored Panda asked Samantha how parents might go about turning this around.
"When things are going off the rails at home, I suggest stepping away for a few minutes if you can. Even if that's locking yourself in the bathroom for five minutes," she told Bored Panda.
"And fresh air always helps. So if you can get the kids out on a walk, do it," she urged parents (and we heartily agree).
"I try to remind myself that hot mess days come with the territory. We are all juggling so much and doing the best we can. And we're all in this together."
Having a good sense of humor, looking for the silver lining, and being grateful for what you have are powerful tools in your arsenal. And they’ll keep you going no matter the challenges you face at work or school, in your relationships, or in your family life.
Laughing when things get tough—your home is a mess, your kids are screaming, you forgot to do the groceries, and the dog needs to go for a walk—can be very powerful. You show that despite everything that’s going on, you’re resilient.
Of course, it’s natural to get upset when things don’t go your way. Everyone’s human, and it’s often hard to focus on the positives when you’re exhausted, burnt out, and wondering how all those Instagram moms and dads lead such ‘perfect’ lives.
The reality is that there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ parent. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone loses their cool from time to time. Everyone has tiny meltdowns from time to time. And anyone who pretends that they don’t probably has a flawless social media image to protect.
Laughter isn’t just something enjoyable that human beings do: it boasts plenty of benefits for our physical health, mental state, and even social life. Verywell Mind explains that when we laugh often, it can increase our antibody-producing cells and enhance T-cell effectiveness, which means a stronger immune system.
What’s more, laughing more often leads to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, which is great for your heart. It can also potentially lead to a lower chance of developing metabolic syndrome, and by extension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Overall, as your cardiovascular health increases due to laughing regularly, you end up being more fit and living longer.
Laughter can also ease pain, reduce the chance of developing functional disabilities, and literally strengthen your core muscles. Though, of course, you shouldn’t neglect other forms of exercise just because your love of comedy gives your abs a regular workout.
The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, as well as 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week.
Taking care of your health and fitness isn’t just good for you, it’s great for your family, as you have more energy to spend time with them, you’re less tired all the time, and, as a bonus, you live longer. And, let’s face it, from a practical standpoint, you can do a lot more at home (and with a cheerier attitude) when you’re not exhausted.
Not only that, but you’re setting a good example for your children to follow. Namely, that getting lots of movement, eating nutritious food, sleeping well, drinking plenty of water, and generally spending time on your physical and mental health first is something that should be a priority.
Verywell Mind also notes that laughter lowers your stress levels, improves depression symptoms by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in your body, and serves as a distraction when something bothers you.
Laughter can also change your perspective on the difficult things you’ve experienced, reframing things as far less severe than they may have been. This, in turn, is good for your mental health.
