How to Master This Seemingly Impossible Parenting Skill
Showing Up Better for Yourself and Those You Love
If there’s one thing I love, it’s flying.
Especially pre-COVID and motherhood, at a moment’s notice, I’d take off on a new adventure and dare not look back.
There’s something about the the bird’s eye view. Traveling miles and miles above the madness of everyday life where all is serene and calm.
Traveling is always a euphorically enlightening experience for me, a chance to see a piece of the world and experience life that was previously unchartered.
There is one part of the standard flight procedure, however, that I’ve found difficult to grasp in parenthood. A concept that is simple and logical in theory, but seemingly impossible to actualize when it comes to the moment of truth.
And it goes a little something like this:
“Attention passengers, thank you for flying with your favorite airline…If we should experience a change in air pressure, please secure your own mask before helping others.”
Yes, we’re talking about self-care.
Prioritizing your own needs before your children. Ensuring that time for yourself isn’t deferred to the bottom of your task list.
As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of raising a family and forget about our own needs. However, neglecting self-care can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health, as well as our ability to care for our children.
So, let’s explore the importance of self-care and discuss practical tips for incorporating it into our daily routines.
Identifying Common Stressors
Parenting has always been a challenging job, but modern society has brought with it a whole new set of stressors. From financial pressures to societal expectations, parents today face a range of demands that can take a serious toll on our well-being.
For instance, the need to balance work and family responsibilities can cause stress and exhaustion, while the pressure to be a perfect parent can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. These stressors can impact mental and physical health, making it difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life.
When parents neglect their own self-care, it can have serious consequences. Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
In addition, neglecting self-care can impact our ability to care for our children. If you are constantly tired or anxious, you may have less patience and energy to devote to your children’s needs. This can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, both for the parent and the child. By ignoring our own needs, we may unintentionally harm the very people we are trying to care for.
Benefits of Self-Care
On the other hand, prioritizing self-care can have numerous positive effects on a parent’s physical and mental health.
Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep can all help to reduce stress and boost mood. Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading or spending time with friends, can also help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
When you prioritize your own self-care, you may find that you have more patience, energy, and focus to devote to your children’s needs. This can lead to more positive interactions and a stronger relationship between you and your children. Ultimately, investing in our own well-being helps us to become the best caregivers possible.
Overcoming Obstacles
Incorporating self-care into a busy parent’s daily routine can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
One simple strategy is to identify small ways to take care of oneself throughout the day, such as taking a few deep breaths before getting out of bed in the morning or going for a quick walk during a lunch break. Making time for activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading or listening to music, can also help to reduce stress and boost mood.
Additionally, you may benefit from seeking support from others, whether it’s enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member or seeking out a support group or therapist. By identifying and overcoming common obstacles to self-care, we can make it a regular part of our routine and reap the benefits for ourselves and our families.
All in all, self-care is an essential component of intentional parenting. Neglecting our own needs can have serious consequences for our mental and physical health, as well as our ability to care for our children.
By prioritizing self-care, we can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve our overall well-being. Not to mention, when we take care of ourselves, we are better able to care for our children and provide them with the love, attention, and support they need to thrive.
Join our community of parents and families on a transformative journey to THRIVE — (T)each our kids, (H)eal ourselves, (R)ead, (I)nvest, (V)iajar, and (E)at Well. Learn more about the movement here!
