10 Self-Care Tips for Parents/Caregivers
November 06, 2015
- Make self-care a priority. Create a routine around self-care that can help make it happen. Schedule YOU TIME into the day. Set out 30 minutes at the end or start of the day so it begins or finishes on a positive note!
- Take a TIME OUT if needed. There is nothing wrong with taking a break or finding space if you are getting upset or frustrated with your teen/child or someone else. Cool down and then come back and speak calmly.
- Make DATE NIGHT a priority. Whether it’s your spouse, a close friend, or relative, it is important to take time to connect with other adults. Ideally, you would do this person-to-person, however if that’s not possible schedule a time to chat on the telephone.
- Sometimes it is impossible to take time away. Try taking a MENTAL BREAK by reading a book, watching a favourite TV show, listening to some music, journaling, or participating in something that you enjoy.
- LET LOOSE! If the daily routine is not going well, and you’re having one of those days where everything is going wrong, forget about the issues and have some fun with your kids.
- DON’T BOTTLE IT UP. Find a safe and healthy person to talk to about your feelings so they don’t become too overwhelming!
- Join the PARENT SUPPORT ASSOCIATION! It’s a place where you can talk with other parents who are also experiencing tough times with their children or teens. Connecting with someone outside of your circle might give you the boost you need. The group meets weekly during the school year and has a north and south location.
- Cut yourself SOME SLACK. No one is perfect and every parent makes mistakes! Give yourself permission to be imperfect.
- SAY “NO” to the extras. Turn down requests to do extra duties and tasks, that are not a necessity. That can buy you a few extra minutes to do something for yourself.
- Parenting can be exhausting and often thankless. Your kids will likely say very hurtful things that they don’t mean in the heat of the moment, and no doubt you will, too. It can be hard to walk away from power struggles that are best left alone. Find a mantra to help you KEEP PERSPECTIVE in those difficult times. Here are a few:
- This too shall pass
- I can let go of this
- I am enough. I do enough. I am not alone
- I am doing my best. We all are.
