Help Fast! I Need to De-stress!

Updated on August 09, 2008
B.C. asks from Arlington, TX
8 answers

My baby has been crying all day. I don't know if she's teething, or if she just doesn't feel good, but she's been whiny, and crying. She won't eat, or nap, and on top of that, my daughter who's 7 has been very irritating today b/c she's been bickering and arguing with the little 4 year old that I babysit, and the other baby that I watch keeps being ugly. I don't know if I'm pregnant, hormonal, or just stressed out, but I feel all tense, and irritable. Considering my kids and my job, getting overwhelmed is easy, but I usually handle crisis very well. Not today. I'm so sleepy and my neck hurts, and I just feel angry. I keep telling myself that it's Friday, but it's not helping. How can I wind-down and relax so that these kids stay happy? I feel so sorry for the baby, but I don't know how to help her! At this moment, the older ones are playing outside, my baby is going to sleep (finally) and the other baby is next to me watching semame street, but this is the first calm moment I've had all day. What to do?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the responses ladies! I never quite got to relax b/c as soon as the children went home, the little 4 year old told her mom that I left them home alone to go to Wal-Mart! So, after clearing the air with the mother, assuring her that I did no such thing, I went and got a red bull and made a ton of phone calls. But, the baby is asleep now, so I'm going to sit, and veg for a while and take some meds for my killer stress pains. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep all of your wonderful advice, and utelize them next time! You're all great!

More Answers

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

Pray too! Definitely sounds like something's going on with the little one. Take deep breaths - set the baby down for a little bit while you just grab a breath of fresh air or jump up and down or whatever you can do to get the frustration out. It won't the baby to cry for just brief moments. You could try orajel to see if it calms the baby. Put hte baby in a sling or carry pack - maybe that will calm the baby and you can still have your hands to be with the other kids. They may be acting up because, not only are you stressed, but you're not able to give them attention too. Hang in there - count down the hours until they're all in bed. That's what I used to do "only 4 more hours...I can make it!" good luck!!

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

Get all the kids situated doing something safe and in the house. Go into another room where the kids aren't by you, and take 5 minutes to yourself. I have a 4month old, a 2 year old, and a 12 year old step-son, I have to just walk away from them at some point, just to regain my composure. It will all get better. The kids maybe sense that you are a little stressed, maybe that's why they are acting crazy today.
Good luck and hang in there!

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A.E.

answers from Dallas on

I hear you!! are you breast feeding? if so watch out what you eat! specialy anything that produces gas like brocoli and coliflawer, that will affect the baby.After every one is in bed go for a walk w/ a buddie or by your self, that will always work. Take a bubble bath, with candles and soft music that really works wonders!! i have being drinking a xango mangosteen juice and my children have even notice that i'm calm and happy even today, i just got my period!!! no moods swings no cramps no back aches!!! but also i've been giving it to them too!! so they have been happy too!! it's safe for babies to drink too(1/2 an oz. should help her with colics and to sleep like the baby she is :-).. 1 oz. to the 7yr old 2 to 3 oz. for you and 1 to 2 oz for the rockin'hubby!! tastes great kids like it and has many other benefits also ( kills bacteria,virus,parasites,helps with fever an antiinflamatory benefits too!! its fenomenal and apart from being my self a distributor i use it, my sisters and their kids and my friends and theirs and hubbies" too. my business is listed here if you have questions call me i'll send you info.. good luck and i hope i helped!!! p.s. praying always help!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!

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E.C.

answers from Dallas on

I know its the end of the day now, so hopefully you were able to de-stress already, but what always works for me is to get back to basic stretching and breathing...which you can do with the little ones too! Raise your hands up to the sky and then touch your toes while taking deep breathes...and have the little ones do it too! Then wiggle all around and do it all over again! I know it sounds basic and simple, but some times we forget about the simple things. :) Hope you had a good end to your day!!

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

I hear you girl- call a friend and ask her to come by and hang with the kids for a bit and get out and do something nice for yourself- a Manicure a $4.00 coffee- lol- just something to decompress! A hot bubble bath with a crossword would do the trick too!

D.

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N.T.

answers from Dallas on

Do something relaxing like Yoga, listen to calming music and meditate, or read a book. My husband and I just ordered an incredible book off Amazon titled Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston and Maimes. From the book "There is a category of herbs called adaptogens that help the human body adapt to stress, support normal metabolic processes, and restore balance. They increase the body's resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors and promote normal physiologic function".

The 10 most potent adaptogens on the earth, with the highest therapeutic and healing properties available, are now delievered in a fast acting oral spray, called Tunguska Mist. Go to www.VitalHealth.TBlast.com to learn more.

I spray the T-Mist Pure any time that I feel stress coming on. The T-Mist Relieve helps with aches and pain, and worked immediately on my migraine last week. They taste great and have made such a difference for our family. Did you know that 80% of all illness is caused by stress, according to the American Medical Association? You are recognizing the importance to address your stressful situation, and the sooner you can reduce the damaging effects of stress on your body, the healthier and happier you will become!

As far as your baby (bless her heart!), I would suggest contacting your pediatrician.

Good luck and God Bless:)

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E.J.

answers from Dallas on

Have you given your baby some Motrin? It works much better than Tylenol for body aches and pains. Little ones just seem to have so much going on with their little bodies that I just don't think they feel good all the time. In the meantime, call a girlfriend or your mother. That should cheer you up and when your husband comes home. Tell him that you're going to go take a bath or doing something alone for 20-30 minutes.

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J.H.

answers from Amarillo on

There is a lotion,cream, for putting on a baby's gums to help with teething in case this is the problem, also a little plastic ring filled with water you can put in the freezer to let them chew on. She may just need rocked if you didn't have the others to run after, And when they bicker, seperate them in rooms, have the color or for sure send them outside to play awhile, playing outside is good for them and they get interested in playing with stuff, and may forget to fuss, although some of this is normal. There will be days like this anyway no matter what, but if it starts to happen all the time and starts to really get to you, you may for the sanity of your own family, have to tighten your belt, and quit taking in kids for awhile. But a day now and then like this is just to be expected with the ages of the kids you have and are taking care of.

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