Read our monthly parenting e-newsletter for April 2022, featuring tips and strategies for families with young children.
It’s no secret that parenting is a tough job. The COVID-19 pandemic has added all kinds of further challenges to parenting over the past two years. When parents or caregivers are stressed, children are at an increased risk of abuse or neglect. One of the major ways to help prevent child abuse in the home is by prioritizing mental health.
One of the most important ways a parent or caregiver can take charge of their own mental health is by practicing self-care. Today, many parents have demanding jobs, maybe even work more than one job while managing children’s schooling and after school events and so much more. Parenting demands often means seemingly having no time to tend to personal needs. But taking care of your mental health doesn’t need to take up a lot of time.
To be the best parent or caregiver you can be, there are simple physical, psychological, social and even spiritual time things that you can do. Here are some ways that you can include these into your everyday routine:
PHYSICAL: Eat healthy • Exercise • Get regular, preventive medical care • Get enough sleep • Take time away from screens (phone, computer, TV, etc. )• Spend time in fresh air and natural light
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL: Spend time with and be in touch with friends and family • Express emotions and talk about feelings • Participate in activities that make you happy or relaxed • Work on your marriage or other relationships • Say no to extra responsibilities
CREATIVE/SPIRITUAL: Spend quiet time for self-reflection • Attend a local place of worship • Write in a journal • Spend time in nature • Enjoy a hobby or learn something new
When you start implementing self-care into your daily routine you may find that you need to ask others for help. Having another adult help support you on this journey can help you more effectively integrate techniques into your lifestyle. Remember, you deserve to be the best version of yourself for you and your children.
Resources:
- Self care tips from the National Child Abuse Prevention Council
- Ways to combat stress from PBS Kids
- Create a self care action plan via How to Adult
Learn Through Play Daily Activities: April
Help children learn through play by using one of the following age-specific monthly calendars that feature daily activities.
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Infant
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Toddler
- Learn Through Play Calendar: Preschool
