Taking Care of You: The Importance of Self-Care for Parents

Picture this: It's 7 pm on a regular weekday evening.

Your youngest child is crying because of an ear infection, and she also has a school history presentation due tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, you're trying to get your other child to take a bath, but he's too busy bothering his ear-infected sister.

To top it all off, your spouse is sick in bed with the flu and unable to help.

In times like these, eating healthy and exercising might be the last things on your mind, unless it involves running away from it all.

But guess what? You matter. 

Being a parent can be fulfilling; it gives you a sense of purpose and value. You feel like you're making a difference.

But parenting also demands a lot of your time and energy. It's physically and emotionally draining. (That's one reason why it feels rewarding in the first place.)

But guess what often gets neglected in the midst of parenting? You.

Here's a lesson: Learn to take care of yourself.

You know when you're on an airplane, and they explain the oxygen masks?

It goes like this: If you're with someone who can't put on their mask, you put yours on first.

Being a parent without caring for yourself is like driving with an empty gas tank. 

Eventually, you'll break down and won't be much help to anyone.

Self-care can be tough. Parents often put their own needs last. 

They struggle to ask for what they want or need, even if it's just a break or an extra hour of sleep.

So if you often...

- feel guilty or worry about not being the "perfect" parent;

- feel like you have to do everything on your own, causing you to feel overwhelmed;

- feel ashamed or selfish when you ask for things you need;

- neglect your own health by skipping proper meals, exercise, and rest, relying on caffeine and other stimulants instead;

Here's the thing: Self-care makes you a better parent.

If you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of others?

What use will you be to the people you care for if you're sick or burned out?

So, here are some strategies for self-care:

1. Reach out to others. Don't suffer in silence. Parenting can make you feel isolated, but you're not alone.

2. Seek help. Even a little assistance can make a big difference.

3. Share the load. If possible, reconsider how work is divided in your household. Are you doing everything by yourself when you don't have to? Can other family members help with a task or two?

4. Aim for "good enough" instead of "perfect." Take something off your to-do list. Learn to say "no" when necessary.

5. Plan and prepare ahead. For example, taking the time to prep meals on Sundays can make the rest of the week much easier to handle.

6. Treat yourself on your days off. It can be something small like getting extra sleep or treating yourself to a massage. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and boost your energy. Even a quick walk can make a difference.

Now, take a moment to reflect:

What's one way you can take care of yourself?

Remember, you deserve it!