6 Reasons Why Practicing Self-Care Makes You a Better Parent

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6 Reasons Why Practicing Self-Care Makes You a Better Parent

Parenting is hard. In fact, as rewarding as it is, it’s downright exhausting. Think about it: you’re showing your kids how to interact with others, how to clean up after themselves, how to read, write, or manage finances, even. You’re trying to give answers for questions that you’re still asking yourself. You’re trying to anticipate and meet their needs for the many activities you hesitatingly but willingly signed them up for.

It requires a lot of you to care for someone else. All of the brain power and physical aptitude it takes to raise a kid is quite incredible. But what happens when all of the energy you’ve got, and even the energy you don’t have, gets put into your kids?

There’s nothing left for you. And not caring for yourself means you aren’t able to care for your kids.

Here are 6 reasons why practicing self-care makes you a better parent.

You’re Setting an Example

The old phrase, “do as I say, not as I do,” is famous for being used in circumstances where parents know they are making a decision they don’t want their kids to follow. Well — caring for yourself may fall into that category often. Show your kids that self-care is important for their overall health and well-being. They’ll learn from you.

Self-Care Gives You Mental Clarity

If your calendar is loaded with activities to the point that you are no longer able to remember where you need to be or have trouble forming a sentence, your schedule and mental capacity may be on overload. Stress and anxiety are common causes of an absent mind. To achieve mental clarity, take 10 to 15 minutes every day to reduce stress. Write in a journal, do yoga or stretches, or read a novel.

It Prioritizes Physical Strength and Wellness

Keeping up with your kids can be tough. By giving attention to your physical strength and wellness, you’ll have the energy to get through the day in easy stride. This means finding time to exercise and eat right to build up your strength and immunity.

Self-Care Helps You Cope

Do you find yourself snapping a little too easily these days? You may need to take a look at your own emotional health. Too much stress and a lack of attention to your own emotions can leave you feeling high-strung, which can put strain on your most valued relationships. If you need to just have a good cry, have a good cry. If you can write about your feelings (even if you burn what you wrote later), you’ll feel some of that emotional pressure be relieved.

It Makes You Better Able to Care for Others

When you prioritize your wellness, you are building self-esteem and positivity. This is important for giving you the confidence you need to get through the day. When you know you are taking care of yourself, you’ll feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, which puts you in a better position for taking care of those around you.

Self-Care Can Strengthen the Bond Between Parents

Parenting can put a lot of strain on a relationship. But when both partners are able to take a break to care for themselves and then for each other, that bond becomes more than, “You take the kids, and I’ll pick them up.” It makes you a team and helps refocus the two of you on how and why you became parents.

Parenting requires a lot of hard work. Give your kids and your partner the best of you by taking care of yourself.