do you take care of yourself as a parent

Do You Take Care of  

?Yourself as a Parent

As parents, we often prioritize our children’s needs to the point of exhausting ourselves. But is this the 

?best approach, or should we be paying more attention to our own well-being to better support our kids

Though it might seem selfish and evoke guilt, prioritizing yourself as a parent is crucial, according to Parenting Coach Sheila O’Malley.

Make Yourself a Priority

Sheila emphasizes that your foremost responsibility is to yourself. “If you don’t prioritize your own well-being, you risk becoming irritable, tired, or stressed, which negatively affects your child,” she explains. She uses the analogy of an airplane oxygen mask: “You need to put on your own mask first before helping others with theirs.”

Given our increasingly busy and stressful lives, making yourself a priority is especially important. “With financial pressures, long commutes, and demanding work hours, it’s vital that parents take time to unwind and address their own needs,” Sheila says.

The Pressure of Competitive Parenting

Modern parenting has become highly competitive, leading many parents to overload their children’s schedules with activities. In reality, focusing more on your own well-being might be more beneficial for your child.

Women and Guilt

Women often feel particularly guilty about prioritizing themselves. Sheila notes that this may stem from not being taught self-care, striving for perfection, fearing failure, or believing they don’t deserve to come first.

Managing Stress

Stress arises when we neglect activities that bring us joy. To combat this, Sheila suggests finding time for activities that make you happy, both physically and emotionally. This includes eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and engaging in self-awareness practices.

“Ask yourself what brings you joy,” Sheila advises. “It could be learning to say ‘no’ more often, spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies, or sharing your concerns. Recognizing and addressing your needs should be a regular part of your life.”

Taking care of yourself leads to increased happiness, which positively impacts your family, making your children less stressed and more content.

Quality Time with Your Kids

When spending time with your children, ensure it’s meaningful. Sheila suggests, “The best gift you can give your child is to be fully present with them—leave your laptop and phone aside, engage with them at their level, and cherish those moments.”

Balancing self-care with quality time for your child is essential for maintaining a healthy and supportive family dynamic.