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How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids

summary ofHow to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your KidsBook by Carla Naumburg, PhD

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You’ll learn

  • That there are no bad parents
  • Why parenting is challenging
  • Key causes of overreaction
  • Why avoiding kids can be helpful
  • How to manage your emotions to avoid hurting your children

first KEY POINT

Forget the myths about “bad” parents

Most people need time and effort to become parents who manage stress well. Even the best family counselors aren't perfect parents. No matter how much you work on yourself, you'll still experience moments of overwhelm — just less often and less intensely.Parenting is genuinely hard. You're dealing with developing humans who can be irrational, struggle to control their emotions, and fixate on their desires — all while managing your own dynamic emotions. Occasional breakdowns are inevitable.When you lose your cool, it feels terrible. Those moments are exhausting, drain your energy, and leave you wondering if you've caused lasting damage. But here's the truth: some of us had parents who couldn't manage emotions well, yet we grew up to be decent adults. You're not ruining your children with occasional mistakes.Your kids will keep pushing buttons because they're skilled at it. But you can learn to stay calm more often by addressing what triggers you rather than just managing your reactions afterward.

Many think they are terrible parents when they simply lack knowledge and experience.

This summary will give you practical tools to manage those hard moments and enjoy parenting more. You'll learn exact words to say, recognize specific situations as they unfold, and follow a step-by-step progression from easy practice scenarios to handling your most challenging moments.

second KEY POINT

Letting go of pressure and blame

Parenting is a skill that requires time, patience, and practice, and few people feel fully prepared when their baby arrives. Recognizing this reality from the start helps avoid unnecessary frustration.Life circumstances also naturally add layers of complexity. Financial pressures, health challenges, or family transitions can make even joyful moments feel more demanding. Your own childhood experiences can shape how you approach parenting, too, sometimes in ways that require intentional effort to shift. Physical exhaustion, emotional stress, or ongoing health struggles can drain the patience and energy that consistent parenting requires.If parenting feels difficult, you're not alone. Understanding these challenges isn't about creating worry — it's about recognizing that developing the skills and support you need is part of the journey.

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first KEY POINT

Preventing your triggers

second KEY POINT

Keeping nervous breakdowns at bay

third KEY POINT

It's okay not to be around 24/7

fourth KEY POINT

Managing reactions by being aware

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Carla Naumburg, PhD, is a parents’ coach, writer, speaker, and mother. She has appeared in major newspapers and television channels like the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and CNN.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent' about?

'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' by Carla Naumburg offers parents practical strategies to manage stress and cultivate patience. It emphasizes mindfulness and self-care as tools to foster a calmer family environment and improve parent-child relationships.

What are the key takeaways from 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids'?

Key takeaways from the book include the importance of recognizing your triggers, adopting mindfulness techniques, and prioritizing self-care. These strategies can help parents respond to their children more calmly, thus promoting a peaceful home atmosphere.

Is 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' worth reading?

Yes, the book is highly praised for its relatable insights and practical advice that parents can implement immediately. It appeals to anyone seeking to enhance their parenting skills and emotional well-being.

How many pages is 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' and when was it published?

The book is 224 pages long and was published on April 2, 2019. This concise format makes it accessible for busy parents looking for quick yet effective guidance.

Who is the author of 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids'?

The author of 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' is Carla Naumburg, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert. Her professional background lends credibility to the advice she offers in the book.