Parents often become consumed with the well-being and growth of their children that they often forget to focus on their own needs, wants, and personal growth. Parents are expected to make some sacrifices when it comes to their children, but parents should still find times throughout each day, week, and month to focus on themselves. Investing the time and energy in self-care can help improve mood, physical health, emotional health, and continuously serves as a reminder that you (the parent) are important to.
Self-Care can be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Daily self-care examples would include:
  • Drinking enough water throughout the day (maybe some coffee too)
  • Eating balanced meals to fuel your mind and body (for extremely busy families, eating at all)
  • Showering
  • Exercising
  • Doing a preferred activity (e.g. listening to music, reading a book, painting, etc.) Even if it is only 15 minutes, take the time for yourself!
  • Making a list/taking pictures of good/happy things that happen throughout the day- Focus on the positive!
Weekly self-care may include:
  • Reaching out to loved one or friend over the phone, text, or video chat (hopefully meeting for coffee or dinner would be great)
  • Watching a movie
  • Ordering or making your favorite meal, drink, or dessert
  • Participating in a hobby for a considerable amount of time
For monthly self-care:
  • Getting haircut
  • Getting a manicure/pedicure
  • Going hunting/fishing
  • Having a night out with friends
  • Taking a daytrip
Maintaining these routines each day, week, and month may not always happen or come easy, but making a conscious effort to participate more in self-care could have a positive effect on overall mental, emotionally, and even physical health. Parents are one of the most valuable assets to their children and deserve to have the time and energy put into themselves as well.
written by Allison Marshall, RBT at ABA Interventions