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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

13 min
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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 provides practical strategies for parents to manage their emotions and reactions. It emphasizes mindfulness, connecting with your child, and finding balance in parenting to nurture a calmer home environment.

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

Key takeaways from Carla Naumburg's book include techniques for self-regulation, the importance of emotional awareness in parenting, and actionable exercises to improve communication with your children. It helps parents cultivate patience and resilience in challenging parenting moments.

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

Yes, 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' is highly regarded for its practical advice and relatable anecdotes. Parents looking to enhance their emotional intelligence and create a supportive family dynamic will find it particularly valuable.

How many pages is 'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Calmer, Happier Parent' and when was it published?

'How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids' has approximately 240 pages and was published in June 2019. This concise book offers insights without overwhelming busy parents.

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 social worker, and parenting expert. Her professional background lends credibility to the effective strategies presented in the book.