Taking Care Of Yourself As A Parent

Joburg Admin / February 19, 2016

  To all those out there with babies or young kids, raise your hand if you’ve reached the stage where you’ve given up on making an effort to eat healthily and exercise regularly? Where you will leave the house in what many would deem pyjamas, complete with a greasy top knot? If your own hobbies and interests have been replaced by finding the best nappy prices, driving the kids from one extra mural to another, and cutting chewing gum out of your five-year-old's hair - again! As moms, I’m sure most us have experienced all of the above. Having a newborn is the most challenging job on earth – or so we think. However, being a parent to multiple kids has got to take the cake. Let’s get real – where are we supposed to find the time and energy to look after ourselves? You may be wondering why caring for yourself is so important. Little people notice and absorb so much more than we realise. As parents, we need to be healthy role models to them so that when they mirror us, we don’t regret the choices we’ve made. Parenting is tough, and sometimes we need an hour or two during the week to reboot our emotional systems - time to put our feet up without any distraction, to eat well, exercise, catch up on our social lives and to invest in our relationships with our partners. The biggest mistake that we make is feeling guilty about doing these things. For some reason, we work ourselves up to believing that taking time out will mean we’re bad mothers but, really, it’s the exact opposite! Parenting is a job. A 24-hour, full-time job. We don’t get to escape it on weekends, after 17:00 or on public holidays. Unlike a general office job, we’re always on call. Think of taking time out for yourself as ‘taking leave’. We need to energise and to reboot emotionally - to catch up on our friendships and relationships. This is what will literally keep you sane. It’ll also help you realise that there are hundreds of thousands of parents around the world who are going through the exact same things as you are. If this article hits home for you, pick up the phone and organise a babysitter, arrange a dinner date with your other half or hang out with a friend. Lace up your running shoes (which are most likely starting to get dusty), and go for a jog. Make better choices when you’re next at the grocery store so you can make your desire to eat healthily a reality. And love yourself by taking time out for yourself. Your kids will be there when you get home – just the same as when you left them. However, you’ll return as a brand new version of yourself! 'Me-time' really fuels your Super Mom powers. Making the effort to make it happen is really worth it… and you are worth it. By Lisa Harrison  

You might be interested in

Explore All
Ster-Kinekor Opens New IMAX® Theatre At Mall Of Africa!
Entertainment

Ster-Kinekor Opens New IMAX® Theatre At Mall Of Africa!

06 May 2016

We all know that the Mall of Africa is officially open. But, did you know that Ster-Kinekor’s brand new IMAX® Theatre is now also open there? For the best experience in movie viewing, catch the latest blockbusters on the big screen at IMAX® Mall of Africa

Read more
This Drive-In For Charity Is Fun For The Whole Family!
Events In Joburg

This Drive-In For Charity Is Fun For The Whole Family!

16 Nov 2020

Looking for something fun to do with family and friends over the weekend? Then be sure to get your tickets to the Drive.in.co Roadhouse Restaurant Drive-Ins taking place at St Stithians College in Sandton on Friday and Saturday nights 4 and 5 December. Ot

Read more
Steaking It Out with Wombles
Food & Drink

Steaking It Out with Wombles

09 May 2018

We sent Shawn to Wombles to fall in love with steak all over again. You might want to pop some pop corn for this. \r\n\r\n

Read more
Mothers Grimm
Events In Joburg

Mothers Grimm

06 Mar 2020

Mothers Grimm - a modern fairy tale about what it\'s like to feel ignored and alone in the world. See it on stage at the UJ Con Cowan Theatre this May.

Read more
Die Baarde Raak Nostalgies Episode 10 (LIVE)
Events In Joburg

Die Baarde Raak Nostalgies Episode 10 (LIVE)

09 Jul 2020

Join in on this live stream and listen to some of the rock and roll artists of South Africa as they talk about their bands and the inspirations behind their songs.

Read more
Little Women Comes To Egrek Cinema!
Other Parenting

Little Women Comes To Egrek Cinema!

03 Mar 2020

\'Little Women\' is a classic tale, retold by the director behind 2017\'s \'Lady Bird\'. Bring the girls along to see this modern adaptation of Louisa May Alcott\'s masterwork at Egrek Cinema this March.

Read more