Happy Parents Lead to Happy Children
Parents are so often consumed with giving and taking care of children, they forget to take care of themselves. Many times parents feel guilty or selfish if they aren’t totally focused and giving to their children. But the opposite is actually true. Taking care of ourselves and making time for our own interests can help us be better parents and caregivers. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed with your day-to-day responsibilities of parenting, try some of these self-care tips:
- Maintain a Support System. Friendships and social networks are often the first thing we remove from our "To Do" List when we’re feeling pressures from home and work. However, isolation can often lead to depression. It’s important to have social connections – places where we feel validated, supported, and given back to. Find a social network in your neighborhood, child’s school or place of worship.
- Manage Your Time. Staying organized is essential when you’re multi-tasking and caring for others. Keep a family calendar and encourage your children to use the calendar, too. Know your scheduling limits and learn to say no if you’re feeling over-committed. This can be especially important during the holiday season. Avoid perfection. There will never be enough time to do it all, so realize what’s most important and revise the plan when needed.
- Find Your Passion. Self care doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or a trip to the spa. Do you have a hobby or interest that you’ve put on the back burner? Take a writing, language or cooking class. Learn a craft. Join a book club; visit www.vbgov.com/libraries for library-sponsored book clubs.
- Take Care of Yourself Physically. You make sure your children are eating healthy, exercising, and going to bed on time, but are you doing the same? A healthy lifestyle will not only help you fight off illness and provides you with the energy, but can also make you feel better about yourself and is the foundation for a positive self esteem.
- Enjoy Your Children! Hug them often, laugh with them, notice the qualities you love about them (and tell them!) and celebrate their uniqueness. Don’t waste a precious day sweating the small stuff!