Adoption Support at Forever Parents

Self Care For Parents

We asked members at our adoption forums what little things they do on an everyday basis to take care of themself? What preventive measures do they take?

** When I’m really stressed out…I WALK. I love to walk…could do it all day, really I could. It’s gotta be a brisk one too…not the casual stuff. I walk….if I’m alone, I talk–OUT LOUD—to God. And truthfully, I’m sure that anyone who would see me…..would know how nuts I am! But, if I can’t walk….then I put in a Richard Simmons video to exercise. (There are others…..but Richard’s the simplest).

** I have learned this with my RAD child but it really works well for all of the kids. When they have done something wrong instead of lecturing or chewing them out I start laughing. When I am less stressed I tend to deliver the message better and it actually sticks better. Make it a learning experience instead of a vent. I am not sure if this is what you were talking about Joanne but this is the first that came to mind.

** I make coffee or hot tea. I find that when I make this kind of drink, I have to slow down to drink it and that helps to calm me. I usually try to get out once a week or so with my sister or mom. We go to dinner or just out to chat or to walmart or where ever. Sometimes we shop for holidays or for household items and get coffee….it’s a way to connect and get away from home. However, it’s been awhile since I’ve done this (lots going on) and I’m to the point of “boiling” and rushing out to get that manicure or whatever ROFL!

** This summer, I have a Mother’s Helper. “Anna” is 10, and she comes over one day a week at a very reasonable rate, to play with my kids. I get some work done, her mom gets to work all day, and Anna gets to earn some spending money. It’s handy to have her when I run errands (I don’t have to drag everyone into the post office) and if we all go out to eat with friends (Anna sits at the little kids table and I get to talk with my friend). It’s wonderful!! And I’m worth it!!

** I don’t get much time for self care lately…I haven’t taken the time. Something that I have done is gone out with “the ladies” (my friends that have young kids like me) to just have fun and chat. Everytime we do this we ask each other…”what do you want to do??” thinking that surely there is something fun to do together. All we can think of is sitting down and eating…and talking! We all have enjoyed ourselves sitting in a restaurant eating good food and talking for hours. It’s so much fun and it’s a de-stresser for sure!

** I don’t do anything on a daily basis but I’m trying to get back into my Sunday night routine of a long soaking bath without a child in the room! Seems like when I do that, the week starts off on a MUCH better note.

Related Tags: parenting

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