Being a parent is rewarding, and there are so many wonderful attributes about parenthood. This topic has felt important to me, especially as I am a newer parent of a two year old little girl. There is so much joy that my husband and I get out of parenting. Seeing the world through her eyes, from practicing new words, to her tender love for animals, is a true gift. However, as you may know parenting can also come with its own set of challenges. The purpose of this blog is to explore how to take care of ourselves as parents.
Create Space for Your Own Identity To Be Present in Parenthood
I gently encourage you to not forsake the activities, hobbies, or parts of ourselves that were important to us before we became parents. We need to remember that we are still ourselves, even as we parent. It can be easy to forget that we have an identity apart from being a parent or in addition to being a parent.
Friend, I would encourage you to spend time cultivating and carving out time for yourself to engage in activities that fill your cup. Can you think about something you have not had to do or have forgotten you love to do? Perhaps this looks like going to lunch with a friend or ensuring you have time for your favorite hobbies.
Cultivate Time for Rest and Relaxation
As you know, rest is a much needed part of our lives; however, we can get swept up in the day-to-day demands of parenthood. I invite you to cultivate time for rest or relaxation. This could mean asking your partner to watch the baby so you can take a nap. It could also mean having a babysitter that can come for an hour or two on the weekends.
We give a lot as parents and can frequently feel physically or emotionally exhausted. Get curious about the different types of rest you may need as well, including physical rest, emotional rest, or relational rest. Find a rhythm and figure out what works best for you.
Boundaries are Important
I encourage you to set boundaries with your kids and with ourselves. Boundaries allow us to protect your peace and energy. They can also help your children build self confidence and learn how to have healthy expectations.
Perhaps, this looks like sticking to the same bed time so that you and your loved one can spend time together in the evenings. Or, it may look like being intentional about what you commit to throughout the week. Upholding boundaries allows us to show up well with our children and for ourselves.
Know When To Ask for Help
We are not meant to parent alone. It takes a village. Friend, I encourage you to explore ways to know when you need help and how you can ask for this need to be met. Does asking for help look like asking your spouse to help more or asking a loved one to watch your child? We all have limits, and it is ok to know when we need help. Maybe it means reaching out to a friend to connect or seeing a therapist. We would be honored to support you. You are not alone.
If you are exhausted in your parenting journey, I want you to know you are not alone in that. My hope is that you can read this blog and feel a sense of validation in your parenting journey. Once we begin practicing some of these rhythms, we can not only take care of our children well, but ourselves too.
Additional Resource
Dr. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside
Dr. Becky is a clinical psychologist offering coaching to parents to help strengthen their relationships with their children and give practical strategies to empower parents. (@goodinside)
Mindful Affirmation:
“I am allowed to have needs and ask for help as a parent”
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
