Study Founds That Having Someone To Bi*ch With Is Good For Your Mental Health

Being a parent sure is the best feeling in the world, but it ain’t always that easy. In between all of the joyful moments, the first everything, all the cuddles, and kisses you also have moments when you pretty much are only one step away from insanity.

Being new in the role of a parent can also feel quite isolating. You might feel lonely and as if you have lost your social life completely. That’s where a like-minded parent friend can totally make you feel better. You two have some similar experiences and can rant to one another about your everyday struggles of changing diapers, waking up in the early hours, being sleep deprived and, well… unshowered for the last 2 days.

According to Smartparenting, that person is called a “vent buddy”, and is someone you can bi*ch with about everything and anything parenting related.

One study from 2009 found out that releasing stress by talking about something that is bothering you it is a common coping mechanism, and that it can ultimately lower your stress levels. Also, you should have this in mind: If the person you are venting to doesn’t have empathy for your current situation (perhaps like your partner who isn’t a stay at home parent) it can even add to your stress. So when you feel like you are going to explode, think twice before you go and vent to someone. Sometimes all we want is someone to talk to, and who will actually listen, so a vent buddy totally serves this purpose.

Another good thing is that because your children will be surrounded by a meaningful friendship of you and your vent buddy, they will be encouraged to seek similar relationships in their lives, and if you have a baby, it might even boost their early brain development.

Having a group of friends results in a new mother being less stressed one study found, and this will also have a positive effect on your child’s cognitive development.

So, if you don’t already have at least one vent buddy, find one as soon as possible.

If you do, let them know how important they are in your life, because you would pretty much lose your sanity without them.