Self Care for Parents

Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish - It’s Essential Parenting Fuel 

January 1st 2025

Let me guess — self-care is sitting at the very bottom of your to-do list… or not even on the list at all. 

Maybe you feel guilty for taking time out. Or maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’ll rest when everything else is done.” 

Here’s the thing: everything else is never done. And you can't pour from an empty cup. 

I want you to hear this loud and clear:

Prioritising yourself isn’t selfish — it’s survival.

Not only for your own well-being, but for your family too. 

🛫 Remember the Oxygen Mask Rule?

Before every flight, you hear it:
"Put your own mask on before helping others."

Why?

Because you can’t help anyone else if you’re gasping for air.

Parenting is no different.

If you’re running on empty — emotionally, mentally, physically — you're not showing up as the parent you want to be.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

💡 What Counts as Self-Care (And Why It’s Simpler Than You Think)

Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or weekends away (though yes please if that’s on offer!).
It’s the small, deliberate acts that remind you: I matter too.

Here are a few real-life, doable self-care wins — even when time is tight:

✅ Quick & Doable Self-Care Ideas:

• A slow, quiet cup of tea (not one you reheat 3 times)

• A mindful walk in nature, take in the colours, sounds and smells, really use all your senses.

• Listening to your favourite podcast while folding laundry

• A bath with music and bath salts (even just 15 minutes!)

• Saying no to something that drains you

• Journaling for 5 minutes before bed
  
  

I used to wait until my kids were asleep or at clubs to carve out these tiny moments. When I was parenting solo, it was hard — but I started small. And it made a difference.

📝 Your Personal Treat List (Let’s Make This Real)

Take 2 minutes right now now to jot down 5 things that feel like a treat to you.

Not what someone else says you should do. Just you.

Then — and this part is key — book them in like appointments.

• Big treats: monthly

• Smaller treats: weekly
   

This isn’t indulgent. It’s how you keep showing up with energy, patience, and presence.

💬 Still Feeling Guilty? Read This Again:

You are not being selfish.
You are being responsible.
A rested, nourished parent is a better parent. And your kids deserve the best version of you — not what’s left of you.

💖 My Wish for You

That you feel confident in knowing you're a brilliant mum.
That you show up  to be even more present with your loved ones
That you take time for you — and never feel guilty for it again.

You’ve got this. And you deserve support, too.

✨ And if you’re ready to take this a step further...

I’d love to invite you to apply for a free 30-minute breakthrough call with me.

Together, we’ll talk through one of the biggest challenges you're facing right now — and you’ll walk away with a clearer head, a calmer heart, and one powerful next step you can take.

You don't have to do it alone, CLICK HERE to apply now.