Parents, are you feeling overwhelmed by all the change?
You are not alone. If you are a working parent, being around the children all the time is very different. If you were not working, having the children home during school hours is also an adjustment. You may be feeling tired, frustrated, bored, helpless, guilty and anxious. It is normal to feel this way and it’s normal to have ‘off-days’.
So what can you do to look after your emotional health?
Acknowledge your feelings
Don’t try to bury your feelings inside yourself. Share with your family (including your children) that you are struggling. You are teaching your children that it is OK to feel negative feelings. You can be your true self and teach your children how to manage difficult feelings.
Problem-solve
Involve your children in decision-making. Allow your children to plan certain activities like what music to play for a family dance session and give them responsibilities to take care of like washing the dishes or hanging out the laundry.
Self-care
Try to do something that will make you feel good again or that gives you joy, peace of mind and stillness. Some ideas: sleep in, watch TV, cry, go outside, exercise, journal, have tea or coffee, listen to music, dance, eat chocolate, read, meditate, pray, bath, declutter, donate. Self-care is not being selfish, it’s essential for our well-being. Let’s teach our children the importance of self-care (for you and them) and how to deal with life’s challenges that will always come our way.
Seek help
Do not wait to reach out if you are experiencing any of the following:
- You find yourself often reacting to situations in ways that make you feel worried about how you are coping;
- You feel constantly overwhelmed and ‘stuck’; and/or
- Your sleep patterns and appetite have changed.
You can call The Parent Centre on 0217620116 and chat to one of their counselors.
