Parenting is a full-time job. There is no question about that. And there really is nothing more joyful than to watch your infant become a toddler and then a child and to recognize you’ve been doing something right. But in the midst of it all, trying to juggle parenting, work-life and other obligations, the ball that often gets dropped is ourselves. In other words - self-care. The to-do list is long and the amount of hours in a day simply doesn't feel like enough; setting aside time for your own self-care simply does not seem like an essential. That, however, is a mistake. Parents are humans, and every human needs some time devoted solely to their own well-being.
A parent who is not exhausted and stressed out is not only an overall happier person but a better parent as well. When parents show kindness to themselves, they have more energy and patience to spread into their families.
Here are 6 self-care strategies that are easy to practice during a busy parent’s schedule (plus a bonus video!)
