(News USA)
– Caregivers, especially parents, spend so much time looking out for the wellbeing of others that they often neglect to take breaks for their own mental health. According to Kindercare’s Parent Confidence Index, 51% of parents feel like they never get a break from parenting. As a result, you may feel low on energy, your emotional tank is close to empty, and you struggle to provide your best for your family.
As a parent, it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can show up every day and meet the needs of your children. Simply put, you can’t pour from an empty cup. When parents prioritize their own needs, they often feel guilt-ridden. However, doing so can teach their children how to prioritize their own mental health, ultimately creating a win-win scenario. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, what better time to start putting it into practice?
Here are some tips to help you look after your own mental health amid the busyness of parenting.
- Start small. Simpler habits seem to develop more quickly, so even if it’s just a few days a week or a few minutes a day, taking the first steps to refuel and restore is a good start. Whether it’s journaling, recognizing gratitude, exercising, or reading, it’s not about choosing what to do as your reset, it’s about intentionally taking the time to do it.
- Ask for help. Talk to your loved one about your needs and goals. Ask them to not only remind you to take breaks but also encourage you to do so. Accountability is a fundamental step in ensuring your positive well-being as a caregiver.
- Leverage existing resources. Take advantage of local resources, such as childcare facilities, by offering extra childcare hours for 15-30 minutes a few days a week. It’s important to have peace of mind that your children are in a safe place during your break.
- Set expectations for your children. Tell your children what it will be like for them while you are taking time for them. Reassure them that you will be back to play, read to them, or sing them a funny song. Tell them what they can do, who will help them if they need it, and when you will be back. Tell them, “This is what I need to do to make my body and mind stronger.”
- Be a role model. As any teacher or parent knows, children mimic the behavior of their caregivers and tune into the attitudes and moods of those around them. Over time, when children see their parents being intentional about making time for themselves, they learn how to make time for themselves and, in turn, become more confident in making that kind of time for themselves.
For more self-care and mental health tips for parents and children, visit KinderCare.com
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