Dear Fellow Parents,
By parent and child specialist, Alli Domers Benheim, MSS, LSW
Being a parent is a 24-hour job where you have to be 'on' constantly and keep going even when you feel empty. What's the best way to manage it all, while being the parent you want to be? The key is self-care.
Airlines aren't wrong when they say, "put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others," even if they always delay your flight. But what does taking care of yourself mean as a parent? It means putting your own needs before your childs’ so you can really help them.
For me, this means making sure I use the bathroom before changing my child's diaper. It means making sure I eat before I feed my child. It means asking for help, so I have the time to meet my own needs. It may sound selfish, but it allows me to be more patient and present. I also add self-care to my daily routine, which helps me stay balanced.
You may be thinking, "I don't have time" or "I wish there were more hours in the day." I've been there. But it is possible to take care of yourself even if you are multitasking a million things. If you prioritize you, it makes your life feel more manageable. The best part is, by regulating your own emotions, you will be able to stay calm, allowing your child to borrow your calmness when they feel out of control.
Let's face it, being a parent is hard, and as parents, we make mistakes. It is all about owning our part so we can strengthen the child-parent relationship. Remember, be kind to yourself, take care of yourself, and do the best you can. It's more than enough.
We’ve got this, fellow parents.
