Care of Self

Self-Care reminders are ev-er-y-where!! We like to take things apart and putting care in front of self is something that we talk about all the time with parents. We have met many parents who reassure us that they have a lot of self-care practices, and they are still struggling.

Putting care first can be harder than we think. What it first offers is the opportunity to explore who that self is. Who are YOU? What do YOU want which is about you and you alone? You’re a parent, we know you are giving care, and we know that you are working. Who is that Self and what kind of care are you giving them?

Care of self involves being aware of your WHOLE self-mental, emotional, physical and spiritual and then practicing that care consistently. Self-care is ultimately an investment in the parental person-you. It is NOT selfishSelf-care can also be work! Going to the gym? Yeah, if only there was a magic pill for strength building. Setting boundaries? That is work and holding them takes even more strength!

Doing your own work allows you to stay loving towards others. It allows parents to consider is they are enabling or empowering with their actions and choices. Modeling responsible adult behavior-going to the doctor, the dentist, the gym, your therapist, your coach all show your child what it means to be a well balanced, caring, independent adult.

Practice: What are you willing to Invest in for your self?

And, this could be viewed as self-promotion, but it’s broader. Parenting is hard. Growth is messy. If you are reading this and you are not working with a parent coach once a week or every other week, change that. Find a coach-any parent coach, you deserve that care!

Set Boundaries, Find Peace a guide to reclaiming yourself Nedra Glover Tawwab

Life Is In The Transitions Bruce Feiler

Last Day Podcast

Sarah is still looking for where she read about eating disorders being one of the ways that teens try to build their autonomy…but, in the meantime, if that statement piqued you, get in touch, she’ll look harder!