The Forgotten Secret to Being a Better Parent
It has nothing to do with being a parent.
Imagine a time before parenthood – what brought you pure joy and fulfillment?
As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible care, often putting their needs before our own. However, in this never-ending cycle of taking care of our little ones, we often forget to take care of ourselves.
But what if I told you that prioritizing your own hobbies and interests can actually make you a better, happier parent?
It's true - the hobbies and interests you've set aside are more crucial than you think. Here’s an example.
Rediscovering my passion
After giving birth to my first child, I found myself caught up in the overwhelming responsibilities of parenthood. As might be your case right now, my days were spent changing diapers, preparing meals, and trying to squeeze in some much-needed sleep whenever I could. My son eventually grew out of the baby phase, and I thought I would have more time for myself and my interests. I soon realized that finding time for myself was still a struggle.
Not only was I physically exhausted, but I also found myself feeling emotionally drained and irritable. I knew that I needed to do something to improve my well-being, but I was not consistent enough with exercising and meditation.
That's when I decided to revisit my passion for writing. Writing had always been a creative outlet for me, but I had put it on hold after becoming a mother. I noticed that as I was prioritizing my love for writing and taking time to research and write articles for my parenting club's newsletters, I was reigniting a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my life.
However, it dawned on me that my physical health was just as important as my mental health. Without exercise, I was too tired and stiff to write effectively, but I wanted to continue writing. So, I made it a priority to exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
Consistency in physical health starts with finding what ignites your passion and reconnects you with yourself.
By reviving what lit me up, I found a reason to stay fit. By prioritizing my own health and happiness, I’ve found that I’m better able to show up for my child with patience and presence.
I truly believe that when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for those around us. So, if you’re looking to enhance your parenting experience, I encourage you to carve out some time for your passions and self-care. You deserve it, and your child will thank you for it.
Final note
Being a parent is not just about caring for our children. We have needs too!
You don’t need to rush through the process of finding yourself after becoming a parent. It will come in due time. However, it’s important to remind yourself daily that you are not just a parent, but an individual with your own unique interests and passions.
Acknowledge and embrace the part of you that is not just a parent, or a spouse, but the part that is uniquely you. Because reviving what lights you up will help you to recharge and rejuvenate, making you more equipped to handle the challenges of parenting.
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