Shaping young lives whether through parenting, teaching, or caring for children is a task that is both rewarding and draining. In recent years, a focus on self-care for those who care for others has arisen. When your job description includes protecting and teaching our society’s youngest members, it is natural for us to put ourselves on the back burner. There are even times where it is appropriate to do so. But self-care does not equate to selfishness. In fact, without filling our own cup, we are left with nothing to give to those who are most important to us. At times it seems like an impossible task, but here are some lens shifts to consider when it comes to taking time for yourself:
- We are setting the example. When we take time to care for ourselves, to nurture ourselves a bit, we are setting an example for our children to prioritize their health. Share with children why it is important
- We are teaching our children to have consideration for other’s needs. parenting and guiding children is all about preparing them for life. Often times as caregivers, we put even basic needs such as needing to use the restroom or get our water in for they day on hold. Expressing these needs in a think aloud way for your children will help model for them on how to be cognizant of their body’s needs. Asking children to wait for a moment for us to take care of a basic need is teaching them to be patient, thoughtful, and considerate.
- Taking time for oneself does not need to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost a dime! My favorite thing to do is to read a devotional or watch a show on T.V. Super unfancy, but at the end of the day, that is what I need to just feel back to center. Try to list a few things for yourself that fills your cup so that you can bless others, too.
When you teach, you touch the future and that is a pretty amazing place to be!
Deanna Westedt 