Great Rules for Exhausted (and Grieving) Parents

The following are rules Amy and I have tried to employ to help us through this year. We thought we would share them with you to add to your existing ones:

10. No talking about family matters after 8pm. That's when tired emotions (not real emotions) kick in and turn mole hills into mountains. (thanks Robyn for the insight on "tired emotions)

9. Sleep is king! A 15 minute nap is better than no nap at all.

8. Assume you will not get anything done when home with the kids. With this assumption, if you get anything done it's a bonus, and you won't rip their heads off when you don't.

7. Exercise makes us feel better about life and ourselves, and it also helps us not to sweat the small stuff.

6. Let people help you. They want to. And say thank you.

5. Behind every prolonged period of anger and/or frustration usually lies a hurt or a sadness. It's healthy to let these out.

4. Counselors are good for you. How could working on your psyche and your spirit be a bad thing?

3.  Focusing for 5–10 minutes on things you're grateful for – especially when you say them aloud to someone else – helps us get out of repetitive thoughts that lead to emotional funks.

2. Assume positive intent: it gives the other person the benefit of the doubt, and people approach you as if your arms were open instead of crossed, or fists clenched.

1. Embrace the journey as much as you can, look for the hidden gifts in your adversities, as well as the wonderful lessons in every mistake.