Type of parent:
Work-at-Home Parent

Description of stress-relief technique for busy parents:
I made the decision to stay at home with my kids, and I love most every minute of it! But I must confess, there are times when I need just five minutes of peace.

My favorite way to "chill-out" when the noise gets too loud or when I feel like I've said the same thing 10 times and still no one is listening is to escape into my kitchen. I stand at my kitchen sink, where I light a candle and give thanks for my beautiful children. I start by counting backwards from 10 (I start higher on more stressful days), I take several deep breaths and find something beautiful in my backyard to look at (the grass, the trees, the sunshine, my flowers, the weeds I still haven't pulled). What's important is that you take a moment and go to your "happy place." Because for even five minutes, it can calm you, center you and get you back on the right track and through the rest of your day. I have a friend whose happy place is locking herself in the bathroom for five minutes to be out of the reach of her children. Just be sure that you find something that works for you and of course something that is age appropriate and safe for your children.

By the way new moms, babies are safe in their cribs. If you need a time-out, putting your baby in their crib crying for five minutes is much safer than losing your temper with them.