Thriving Kids Podcast Discusses Importance of Taking Care of Oneself
As the saying goes, it’s hard to pour from an empty cup.
The latest Thriving Kids podcast episode provides some tips and reminders about parenting and self-care - and discusses how caregivers have a responsibility not only to take care of young children, but also themselves.
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In the podcast, Dave Anderson, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, is joined by Lauren Hughes, MD, IBCLC, a board-certified pediatrician who is known for her evidence-based approach to raising children.
The podcast’s topics of discussion include developmental milestones (when to worry and when not to), sleep training, breastfeeding, and why supporting one’s own mental health matters just as much as supporting a child’s.
Other tips provided regarding parenting and self-care:
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate - it can be a quiet walk, a few minutes of meditation, a bath after the children are in bed, or other small moments.
You don’t have to pretend to be OK when you’re not; if you’re struggling, tell someone and let them know how they can help, whether it’s covering a school pickup, watching children for an hour, or just checking in on you.
Find your people - connecting with other parents can help ease the isolation that comes with raising young children.
Your well-being and your child’s well-being are connected. Children look to their parents for cues on how to handle stress. By asking for help and taking care of yourself, you teach children to do the same.
Help is out there: Parenting is hard, especially when you’re not sleeping, getting enough support, or dealing with mental health challenges. Asking for help is a sign of strength - not failure.