I truly
believe that the most important part of parenting is self-care. And even though I work really hard to parent
in a positive manner, I still know that my success ultimately lies in self-care.
believe that the most important part of parenting is self-care. And even though I work really hard to parent
in a positive manner, I still know that my success ultimately lies in self-care.
What is self-care?
Self-care
is the ability to take care of yourself.
I’m not talking about eating or sleeping, either. I’m talking about finding a good support
system and getting out to do things on your own – maintaining your identity.
is the ability to take care of yourself.
I’m not talking about eating or sleeping, either. I’m talking about finding a good support
system and getting out to do things on your own – maintaining your identity.
For the
most part I’m pretty successful at this parenting gig, but at self care? I kind of stink. I don’t know what it is about taking care of
myself and doing things I enjoy that’s so difficult for me. It’s the only area of my life where I truly
feel guilt.
most part I’m pretty successful at this parenting gig, but at self care? I kind of stink. I don’t know what it is about taking care of
myself and doing things I enjoy that’s so difficult for me. It’s the only area of my life where I truly
feel guilt.
This past
weekend I went to Brooklyn, NY (about a 2 hour drive one way) to see Dr. Laura
Markham from Ahaparenting speak. I was
overjoyed with happiness as I drove down the highway listening to any music I
wanted at any decibel I wanted. I can’t
remember being in the car alone for that long since I had children six and a
half years ago.
weekend I went to Brooklyn, NY (about a 2 hour drive one way) to see Dr. Laura
Markham from Ahaparenting speak. I was
overjoyed with happiness as I drove down the highway listening to any music I
wanted at any decibel I wanted. I can’t
remember being in the car alone for that long since I had children six and a
half years ago.
For the
first time in a long time, I didn’t feel any guilt leaving, It could have been
because I was going to listen to a talk about yelling less (so in essence I was
really doing something for the girls), but it is truly something that is a
passion for me. Or it could have been
because it was long over due.
first time in a long time, I didn’t feel any guilt leaving, It could have been
because I was going to listen to a talk about yelling less (so in essence I was
really doing something for the girls), but it is truly something that is a
passion for me. Or it could have been
because it was long over due.
(Btw, Dr.
Markham is AMAZING. She’s down to earth,
real, practical, and has some amazing experiences to share. I adore her more now that I have met her.)
Markham is AMAZING. She’s down to earth,
real, practical, and has some amazing experiences to share. I adore her more now that I have met her.)
I came
home at the end of the day to three girls who were tired. M had run them ragged with excessive trips
around the block, lots of time painting, and playing in the back yard. I came home so refreshed that I had an
abundance of patience and empathy as we put the girls to bed. And believe me, a lot was required that
night!
home at the end of the day to three girls who were tired. M had run them ragged with excessive trips
around the block, lots of time painting, and playing in the back yard. I came home so refreshed that I had an
abundance of patience and empathy as we put the girls to bed. And believe me, a lot was required that
night!
Parenting
is a continuous level of awareness – of always being “on”. It’s exhausting. Parenthood is exhausting.
is a continuous level of awareness – of always being “on”. It’s exhausting. Parenthood is exhausting.
When I am
well rested and practice self care I am not only able to be a better person, I
am able to be the parent our children deserve.
well rested and practice self care I am not only able to be a better person, I
am able to be the parent our children deserve.
What do
you do to take care of yourself?
you do to take care of yourself?
xoxo
–k
