This article explores the importance of caregiver well-being, highlighting the counterintuitive notion of prioritizing one's own needs in a society that often demands selfless devotion. Through personal experience, it emphasizes the risks of neglecting self-care and the potential impact on children's emotional well-being. Practical tips are offered for managing stress, seeking support, and engaging in self-recharging activities.
demonstrate. Still, the implication that caregivers need to prioritize their own wellbeing can feel counterintuitive in a society that often tells us our needs as parents, and especially as mothers, come last. I can relate. When my three children were young, I believed being a good mom meant pouring every ounce of myself into my children. No sacrifice was too great.In striving to do and be everything for my kids, I often neglected my own needs, like sleep, downtime and time with friends.
I accepted that living in a state of stress was simply the tax of parenting well.One of the most important things I learned is that, when we sacrifice ourselves, we risk losing what our children need most: a strong and resilient caregiver. When parents are overwhelmed, it's hard to be the patient, present caregiver our kids need. That's when 'proximal separation' can sneak in — a term psychologists use to describe when a parent is physically present but emotionally unavailable because of stress, depression or burnout. Our children are remarkably perceptive. But they may misinterpret our distracted or irritable moments as signs that something must be wrong with them. When parents struggle emotionally, children are more likely to face emotional challenges, too,Ask yourself, 'How am I feeling today, really?' Naming emotions is the first step to managing them. If you're struggling, reach out to a friend for support. As psychiatrist Dr. Ned Hallowell puts it, promise yourself to 'never worry alone.'Just 15 minutes of quiet downtime, focused on meeting your own needs, can leave you feeling recharged. Notice what refills your cup — talking with a friend, reading a book, sipping a cup of tea, taking a bubble bath, listening to a meditation app — and make time to engage with it daily.Therapy or counseling is an investment in your and your family's healt
PARENTING WELL-BEING STRESS MANAGEMENT EMOTIONAL HEALTH SELF-CARE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Prioritizing Caregiver Wellbeing for Stronger Family BondsThis article explores the importance of caregivers, particularly mothers, prioritizing their own well-being for the benefit of their families. It highlights the potential risks of neglecting personal needs and the concept of 'proximal separation' when parents are emotionally unavailable due to stress or burnout. The author emphasizes the need for self-care practices, seeking support, and open communication to foster healthier family dynamics.
Read more »
Prioritizing Your Wellbeing as a CaregiverThis article explores the importance of caregiver wellbeing and its impact on children. It challenges the societal expectation that parents, especially mothers, should prioritize their children's needs above their own, highlighting the benefits of self-care for both parents and children.
Read more »
Healthy Living: Importance of prioritizing a full night's restPrioritizing healthy sleep habits has been shown to have positive effects on the body. Dr. Scott Itano, family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente, discusses strategies to help you get a full night's rest.
Read more »
Prioritizing economic policy objectivesWith much of the media focusing on the plans and objectives being articulated by Trump and his many prospective appointees, I fear that many of us are being distracted from what may be the most important economic policy consideration deserving of our attention.
Read more »
Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's LuncheonWhile surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation.
Read more »
Keynote Selena Gomez spotlights prioritizing mental health during Academy Women's LuncheonWhile surveying a room packed with Hollywood’s most influential figures, “Emilia Pérez” star Selena Gomez took center stage to spotlight a critical issue: Prioritizing mental health and supporting underserved communities often left behind in the conversation. Tuesday at the Academy Women’s Luncheon.
Read more »