Being a parent is one of the most challenging aspects of life. You have to balance your needs against those of your children and other family members. It’s a significant challenge.
When most parents struggle, their instinct is to give more of themselves or find strategies in the outside world to improve their circumstances. However, the trick may be to work on your “inner game,” or how you feel on the inside.
That’s where this post can help to make a better relationship with themselves. It explores how parents can improve their relationships with themselves and, by extension, make parenting more joyful. While it will always be challenging, it can also be fulfilling and rewarding at the same time.
Don’t Lose Yourself In The Role
Some parents can lose themselves in the job of parenting. They forget they are not just a parent. They also have their own identity, interests, goals, and dreams.
Forgetting this aspect of yourself can make you feel “out at sea.” You may feel lost in your life because you’re not able to step outside of your role as a parent. It becomes ingrained in your identity.
The trick here is to go back in time and explore the person you were before you became a parent. You want to rediscover your “true self” so you can continue to be authentic and faithful to your personality while also being a great mother or father.
Set Aside Time For Yourself Everyday
Related to this is the notion of setting aside time for yourself every day. You want to feel like there’s still room for your personality and who you are.
Even if it is just 15 minutes, make sure you have some time to do something that makes you happy or relaxed. Do things that connect you to your spirit, such as:
- Reading
- Praying or meditating
- Exercising
- Going out shopping
Focus on things that reduce stress and help you recharge your batteries. Make sure you remain faithful to your pre-parent self and don’t delete it entirely.
Take Care Of Yourself
Another way parents can have better relationships with themselves is by taking better care of their bodies. Once children arrive, it’s tempting to let things slide. But that can lead to its own problems, including a lack of energy.
Some ways of taking care of yourself are purely psychological. For instance, you might read a post entitled “Everything You Need To Know About Temporary Black Hair Dye” and then decide you’re going to try a new color. Or you might buy a new makeup set or start using a retinoid.
These approaches are great because they can change your self-perception quickly.
They remind you that you can be outgoing and beautiful, even if you’re spending most of the time taking care of kids.
The other approach is more physical.
This part takes longer, but with a whole foods diet and daily exercise, you can make tremendous progress in as little as a month.
Connect With Other Parents And People Who Can Support You
You might also want to improve your relationship with yourself by connecting with people who can support you. Remember, you don’t have to do everything alone. Reach out to your friends, family, partner, or other parents who understand what you are going through. Tell them your thoughts and experiences, and ask them for their input.
You can also join various online communities offering support to parents looking for better relationships with themselves. These can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your true self.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, building a better relationship with yourself is not selfish or indulgent. Instead, it is essential for your well-being. When you take care of yourself, it means you’re able to take better care of your children and the other people you love in your life.
Our super author here at Famous Parenting and an absolute wealth of knowledge. She has studied many topics including creative writing, psychology and journalism but her real passion lies in raising her 3 children. Between working from home, homeschooling her youngest 2 children and navigating the world of teenagers she is a guru for parents.
