Stress management for mom and dad

HIBBING - Picture this: There's a small child having an epic meltdown at the local get-everything-you-need-in-one-swift-stop-store.

Maybe it's a toy. Maybe it's a colorful box of breakfast sugar cubes.

Whatever it is, it's secondary to the meltdown happening in Aisle 4.

Cut to the parent/caregiver.

How is he or she handling the situation? Is dad calm and almost zen-like, or are you witness to a mama pushed to her limit?

Sure, being a parent is one of the most-rewarding life experiences out there, but learning to navigate the emotional ups and downs that accompany every age and stage of childhood is no easy task.

And, let's face it: there are moments when parenting is downright STRESSFUL.

Learning about ways to manage parental stress will be the topic of conversation at the Pediatric Speaker Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Fairview Range Medical Center-Mesabi Hull Rust Room 1201 (enter through the West Entrance).

Presenter Jennifer Kendall holds a master of arts degree in marriage and family therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She'll be presenting ideas on how to manage the stressful situations that arise while raising kids - and will have information for all ages, but plans to focus primarily on development issues in early childhood.

Kendall will discuss the relationship between the parent's expectations and the child's development and ability.

"I think sometimes a parent's expectations can be outside of a child's ability, and sometimes they feel anxiety about how their child is behaving or reaching milestones," she explained. "But when you understand how the brain develops, it helps us understand why children are exploring, behaving, and acting in a certain way."

Learning effective ways to communicate and how to navigate reactions to strong emotions will also be discussed.

"I'll explain how a combination of understanding development and use of communication skills can help parents teach children during these meltdowns," explained Kendall.

Sometimes it can be as simple as choosing better words: at the end of the day, find the good - even on a difficult day - and reflect on 'What was difficult today?' and 'What we did well?' versus 'What was good about today?' or 'What was bad?'

The evening will also cover personal care and coping strategies for parents.

"It is important for parents to take care of themselves and model this self-care for their children," said Kendall. "I will give ideas on ways families can participate in self-care together with games and mindfulness activities at home."

So, back to the scene in Aisle 4: dealing with big emotions - at home or in public - is not easy. Whether you're the parent of the toddler, or just in the aisle to grab your Sugar Cube Cereal, the ways in which you react to this scene teach a lesson.

"I think that as a community, it is important to support families and parents with young children," stated Kendall. "Parents who feel supported in these stressful moments are better able to stay centered and focused. We teach children in many ways, but they are watching us and those around us for cues on what to do."

Pediatric Speaker Nights are free to attend, but registration is necessary. This event is for parents, educators, caregivers and the general public. Certificates of Attendance will be given. To register, call 218-208-0853, ext. 1. Due to the change in location, child care will not be provided.

Pediatric Speaker Nights are sponsored by Fairview Range Medical Center, Fairview Mesaba Clinics-Hibbing and Essentia Health?Hibbing Clinic in cooperation with St. Louis County Public Health Department and Hibbing Early Childhood Family Education.