When you are so often focused on the challenges that arise with your teen or adult child, it is easy for self love and self care to become neglected

When you are so often focused on the challenges that arise with your teen or adult child, it is easy for self love and self care to become neglected. 

If you don’t take care of you and give yourself love too, you will have a harder time showing up for your child. 

You will not feel good and won’t bring your best self to meet the challenges. 

If you aren’t giving yourself enough love, you may take things personally, become judgmental of yourself (and of others), and have a harder time giving.

To start, try these- 

💫 Become aware of how you are speaking to yourself. For example, if negative inner voices surface, telling you that you aren’t a good parent or that your child’s illness or addiction or things they do are your fault, work on catching these quickly and replacing them with something positive (see next point)

💫 Make a habit of speaking to yourself in a compassionate manner.  For example “I’m doing the best I can with what I know how.” “I’m loving my child with all my heart.”

💫 Honor your needs and don’t neglect them.  This will help prevent you from feeling resentful or angry, since you are giving yourself what you need. For example, making some time to read, meditate, take a walk in nature, or speak with a close friend, can make a huge difference in your wellbeing.

💫 Forgive yourself when you feel you didn’t handle things the way you thought you should have. If you find yourself getting caught up in what you thought you should have done differently, this is your cue to forgive yourself and let go of that thought. This will allow you to bring your best self toward moving forward.

What are you doing to take care of you? 

Sending love and light,

Debbie