Parent Caregiver Self Care
In the article “When Things Aren’t Perfect – Caring for You and Your Children” (1) there are several things a parent/caregiver can do to help children build resiliency. Most involve the parent/caregiver first caring for themselves.
1. Take care of yourself physically (eating, drinking, sleeping, exercising, relaxing, and attending to medical needs. Be an example to your children).
2. Identify a circle of support — Parenting is hard. No one should try to do it alone. Seek support from counselors, physicians, family and friends, faith communities and others who can help you see what you are doing well and to connect you with more support when needed.
3. Identify things you love to do and make time for them.
4. Identify ways to help you calm down or handle stress. (Take a walk, practice deep breathing, talk to friends, or meditate and pray.)
5. Take time to think about what happened in your own childhood and how it could be affecting you now.
6. Be a positive influence in your children’s lives. (Spending time together and playing together can help with this.)
7. Learn about what you can and can’t expect from your children at different ages. Addressing toxic stress and building resilient children is a collective effort that includes family, friends, school, medical home, and community. Health care professionals can provide support and services, but only parents and caregivers can make children thrive. Ask your doctor about the many wonderful ways you can build resilience for you and your child.
References
1. When Things Aren't Perfect-Caring for Yourself-Your Children. Healthy Children. [Online] October 28, 2014. [Cited: December 17, 2022.] https://www.healthychildren.org.