Stress is unavoidable. Life changes, relationship conflicts, frustrations and disappointments can cause stress levels to rise higher and higher.

Parenting can be one of the most challenging and, thus, one of the most stressful tasks any person can face. Managing stress levels is critical to your mental, physical and emotional health as a parent and as a person. In addition, your child will learn how to manage their own challenges and stresses by the models you provide in managing yours.

Take a breath.
Taking just 5 to 10 deep breaths can calm your body (and decrease stress levels) enough to respond more effectively to a challenging situation. If you still can't think of how to respond or you are still too upset, take a break from the situation until you can address it with more self-control and better judgment.

Protect your "me" time.
Giving your time and energy to everyone else might seem to be the very definition of parenting. However, giving of yourself all day long takes a lot out of you and if you don't nurture and recharge yourself on a regular basis, you risk feelings of burn-out and resentment when faced with your family's demands. It's absolutely critical to make time to be alone and time to be with other adults in your life.

Maintain your own personality and interests.
Sure, being a parent is a huge part of how you define who you are. But don't forget to hold on to what made you who you were, before you had children. That includes remembering to hold to some of the personal goals and dreams you had for yourself – maybe you've always wanted to learn how to speak a second language or how to play guitar, maybe you've always wanted to teach a Continuing Ed course or to do some volunteer work – developing a new skill or pursuing your interests not only make you feel more interesting and alive, it also shows your child what it means to be a balanced, well-rounded adult.