You’ve got this parenting thing down — but have you forgotten yourself in the process?
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As those early years go by and your little ones grow, it can get hard to remember who you were pre-K (pre-kids).
“Being a parent is both all-encompassing and often times unfamiliar,” says psychologist Adam Borland, PsyD. “It can be hard to figure out how to achieve balance.”
The first step is recognizing that taking time to take care of yourself does not make you selfish.
It’s like the flight attendant says before take-off: Place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping small children.
Dr. Borland recommends that you approach parent self-care without any sense of guilt.
“Remind yourself that you’re doing something to strengthen your family — if you’re happier and healthier, then you can be a happier, more attentive parent,” he says. “Instead of running on fumes and being easily frustrated, you’ll have more energy to take your kids on outings or coach their sports team.”
Because taking care of yourself is key to rediscovering your sense of self, Dr. Borland recommends these five parent self-care tips:
When you’re knee-deep in poopy diapers and pacis, it’s hard to envision the day when your child isn’t glued to your side. Starting school can mark a big — and jarring — change for you as a parent. If you’re having a hard time coping with your child’s growing independence and the sense of loss that comes with it, Dr. Borland suggests you:
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