Parenting is not an easy gig. There are going to be many days where you feel like you are a rockstar parent and other days where you feel depleted and/or defeated as a parent.
In order for you to be the parent you want to be, it is important that you are able to focus on yourself first. (You can stop laughing now or prevent the eye roll from happening)
It really is true. How can you be the parent you want to be if you are not focusing on the things that you need or want?? It is simply not possible. You will become exhausted and will not know where to turn.
Yes, I am speaking from experience.
After returning from an amazing weekend a few weeks ago, I expected that I would be completely excited to be back and want to jump into doing it all. That is the complete opposite of what really happened.
After retreating for a few minutes, I was able to realize I needed to sit back and take it all in.
My family thought something was wrong or that I did not want to be there.
The fact that I did not want to be there was not totally wrong. I did want to be there but I also longed to be able to do things on my schedule and not the schedule dictated by everyone else or the needs of the home.
I allowed myself to have my feelings and then I gave myself the time to process them. At first, I felt very guilty about my feelings. When I was able to relax and become more at peace with the overwhelmed feeling I was able to be the parent I wanted to be.
So what do you need??…
Do you need to take 5 minutes to regroup? (This was all I needed)
Do you need to plow through and get stuff done without interruption?
Do you need to tap out with a partner, family member, or friend so you can regroup? (You do not have to do it all!!)
Do you need to fully engage with your child? Sometimes we need to let the house get dirty or serve a quick and easy (processed) meal so you can play and have fun with your child.
Do you just need a hug? Don’t forget to ask for one! You are worth it!
In summary, take the time you need so you can be the caregiver you want to be!!
