Unconventional, creative parenting can be great fun! It can also be overwhelming as you’re constantly facing the unknown and stepping outside your “comfort zone.”

To ease your journey, try bringing your comfort zone with you, so to speak, by creating a list of comforts — simple, soothing/energizing activities you can do whenever you feel overwhelmed.

Write the list on a small card and carry it in your wallet or pocket. Here’s a sample list:

• Take a hot bath
• Take a brisk walk
• Find a quiet place
• Sing/Dance with favorite album
• Call best friend
• Think about my beloved childhood pet
• Read The Daily Groove :)

Be sure to include things you can do with your kids, things you can do away from home, and at least one thing you can do entirely in your mind. Don’t list comforts that have negative side-effects. Keep it simple and easy.

Whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, just scan your comfort list and choose the most practical one, given your situation. With practice, you’ll find that you can dissolve your stress with as little as 30 seconds of deliberate self-comforting!

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