03/21/2025
What Does Self-Care Mean When You're a Parent?
Parenting is demanding—self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge helps you be more patient, present, and connected with your kids.
Modeling self-care teaches your children balance. When they see you setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being, they learn to do the same.
You're probably saying "yeah, yeah, I don't have time for that..." We know your schedule is grueling most weeks. Your days fill with work meetings, kid appointments, practice schedules or other obligations that take priority over you and what you need. We're here to help. We encourage you to try at least one of these tips every day for the rest of the month (or even week) and see if it helps.
Tip 1. Schedule a break today. You put everything else in your calendar, so try adding a break for you. It can be a 10 minute meditation break or a 20 minute walk (get those endorphins).
Tip 2. Text or call a friend or family member you haven't talked to in awhile and share three positive things that have happened to you since the last time you talked to them—then ask to hear three from them.
Tip 3. Try journaling. Write down something you are grateful for each day and share with your family at dinner.
Tip 4. Laugh! Find a funny video or look up jokes to share with your kids and see if you can make them laugh! Laughter reduces stress and improves moods.
Tip 5. End your day with a relaxing routine. After the kids are in bed, take time away from screens to read, take a bath, or practice 5 minutes of breathing.
You don’t have to be a perfect parent to be a great one. Give yourself grace, take breaks, and remember that self-care makes you stronger for your family. A regulated parent helps create a regulated child. Taking time to manage your stress leads to a more peaceful and emotionally healthy home.
-The Gottman Institute