Parenting is a Relationship that Starts with You
From the moment a child comes into your life whether they arrive as a baby or older the focus is on them. All the info packets, the parenting strategies, the meetings, the conversations with friends or family are focused on the child. That is, in part, as it should be.
However, parenting is a relationship. We understand in other contexts that both people in a relationship are important and must be cared for. In parenting this is very difficult. You often forget, or don’t have time, or feel guilty when you take any time for you. Your children cannot take care of you as they are growing so we can’t expect nor even want them to make sure your needs are met. That my friend is for you to do.
As a parent one of the most important and even vital things for you to do is take care of you. This does not mean trying to find time to go to a yoga class, though that might be nice, it means taking small moments. It means checking in with yourself and seeing what you might like for dinner in place of eating the cut off edge of the grilled cheese or the left over mac and cheese. What few things could you buy to have in the house that you could reach for while you drop the crusts in the trash? (Yes, I really do mean the trash) So, stop right now, grab your phone or your notepad and make a note of a few inexpensive things you can buy at the store next time you go. Think of things that you like or at least that you know would make your body feel better if you ate them in place of pizza crusts. I bet you feel a little more in control making the list. Now you just have to use it ;~)
The next few installments on this blog will be small things that you can do that don’t take much time or money. Things that will help you take care of you. You are a very important and likely somewhat overlooked part of this relationship. So, let’s see what we can do to help without taking a weekend workshop.
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