Many people use the business of parenting as an excuse for not taking care of themselves or for not pursuing their own passions, citing lack of time. But consider what kind of role model are we for our children if we fail to show self-respect, or neglect our own needs and give up on our dreams?
As parents, taking care of ourselves just might be one of the most important habits we can show our children. After all, we are their greatest teachers and the ones whom they will inevitably model their own behaviours after. And, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we properly take care of our children?
Think about it. If we don’t get enough sleep, how can we parent effectively? If we don’t eat healthy food, how can we expect to have the resources to respond to our children in the way we want to? If we fail to show self-respect and self-love, what message are we sending to our children about their own self-respect and love of self? If we give up on our goals and dreams in lieu of everyone else’s needs, citing lack of time as an excuse, what message are we sending to our children about pursuing their own goals and dreams?
Despite what you may have heard or how you may presently believe, self-care is not selfish. To the contrary, it’s one of the best gifts you can give to your children. Taking a step back from your duties as a parent can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety in both mothers and fathers alike. But that much-needed break can also result in greater energy, more patience and a much more positive outlook. At the end of the day, isn’t that the type of parent you want to be for your child?
Throughout the Dailygreatness Parents Journal you’ll be encouraged to focus on your own wellbeing so that you can regain the energy you need for great parenting while still pursuing the things you love. Only when we take the time to look after our own needs can we give our best to the people around us, including our children. We never want to look back in regret because we knew we didn’t give our very best. Anything less is a compromise for ourselves and our families.
