Nurturing Well-being at home

I used to think that being a great parent meant putting my kids first, always. But I've come to realize that to give my best to them, I need to start with myself.

Think about it: when we're stressed, exhausted, and running on empty, we're not the best versions of ourselves. We're more likely to snap, create drama, and make everything worse. So, I began to embrace the idea that I deserve to feel good too. And, you know what? My kids deserve the best of me, not what's left of me.

I'm sure you've experienced those moments when stress takes over, and suddenly, you're reacting rather than responding to your child's behavior. It's like a storm brewing in your home, and you're right in the eye of it.

Parenting our children isn't just about guiding them; it's also about nurturing ourselves. We're setting an example of how to manage emotions, how to empathize, and how to ask for what we need in a respectful way. So, if you ever find yourself feeling cranky (because, let's face it, we all do), here's a simple yet powerful approach.

Gather your kids, give them a hug, and say, "I'm a bit cranky today, but I'm working on it. Can you help me? Let's have a do-over. Here's what I need from you."

By acknowledging our own emotions and taking responsibility for our reactions, we teach our kids valuable life skills. We show them how to manage themselves, how to empathize, and how to communicate their needs respectfully.

Remember, well-being at home is not a destination; it's a journey. It's about embracing compassion, proactively caring for yourself, and modeling self-awareness and emotional intelligence for your children. It's about taking that moment to pause, breathe, and create a space of love and well-being—for you and your family.

But what if you still find yourself cranky at times (because, well, you're human)? Gather your kids close again, hug them, and say, "I'm a bit cranky today, and I'm sorry. I'll try to be kind to myself so I'm not cranky with you. Can you try to be kind to me too? I promise I'll go to bed early tonight (or whatever helps me), so I'm not cranky again tomorrow. Now, let's have a do-over."

Think about what you're modeling – how to manage oneself, empathize, and ask for what you need in a respectful way. Children sense when we're disconnected and stressed, and they often act out. Your hug can help bring them back to their best selves.

So, the next time you start to lose it, stop, breathe, and say, "Sorry, that's my crankiness talking. Let's try a do-over." Your journey toward self-compassion and proactive self-care isn't just for you; it's a gift you're giving your entire family. 

Remember, when irritability creeps in (as it does for all of us), don’t shame or blame yourself. Instead, I remind yourself that it's just part of being human. We all have tough days, right?