Care for Yourself

When it comes to parenting, let's face it, there is a lot that goes into keeping our tiny humans happy, healthy, and alive. As parents we bathe, feed, change, change again to keep our children well taken care of. However, after spending all that time taking care of another person, how many parents are taking the time to care for themselves? How many of us are taking the time to brush our own teeth, bath ourselves, and even eat something among all of the crazy errands driving our children all over the place? 

Now, there is no need to raise your hand to these questions. Honestly, how often as a parent are you taken care of? How many times in a day, week, month, or year are you able to care for your own needs? "If you’re like most moms and dads, you need to be told that you’re WORTH focusing on, and that it’s okay to take time to take care of yourself. Practicing self care is actually a very important step to becoming a better parent, and there are things you can do today to get started," (SCAN 1). What this means is that it is okay to take five minutes everyday to really focus on yourself. Take time to exercise, eat something healthy, or even take a hot shower. As a parent this will help you feel more like a human being and also help you to recharge your own batteries to take on the little ones in your home. 

Think of parenting like an airplane. While you are on the airplane there are many safety precautions necessary to make sure that you, the passenger, can arrive safely at your destination. There are seat belts provided and even oxygen masks in case of an emergency. However, in the event of an emergency, you as the parent need to put on your own mask before helping others with theirs. There is a reason for this. You cannot help another person if you are not taken care of yourself. Now this does not mean to become narcissistic and selfish, but to really make sure you as the parent are taken care of. This means shower as often as possible, change your clothes, go on a walk, or read a good book. Take some time to put on your parenting oxygen mask every once in a while to take a second to breathe and recharge. 

By taking time to care for yourself, and make sure your own basic human needs are met you will be a better prepared parent. You will thank yourself, and your kids will as well. 

References: 

Va, Scan. “Parent Support.” SCAN, 2018, www.scanva.org/support-for-parents/parent-resource-center-2/self-care-for-parents/.