Self-Care for Parents

Physical health includes getting enough sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Mental health means reducing stress, finding ways to relax, and making time for things you want to do. Emotional health includes having enough time for companionship, working through feelings, and having support.

Paying attention to what’s going on in your body is in service of being present for our families. When we’re feeling calmer and better, we can transmit that to our children. We can teach them how to do it. Say, ‘Let’s take a moment, let’s stop, let’s breathe."

Validating your child’s feelings makes them feel heard and understood. It will never be perfect, but there is always room to rectify the situation and show your child how to recognize and correct mistakes.