Parent Wellbeing
Taking Time to Care for Yourself and Ask for Help (Seriously, Just Do It)
Parenting is a team sport, so don't be afraid to call in reinforcements when you need them. Whether it's asking your partner to take over bedtime duty for the night or enlisting the grandparents for a weekend babysitting session, accepting help is not a sign of weakness – it's a sign of strength. Plus, it gives your loved ones a chance to bond with your kids and allows you some much-needed time to recharge your batteries.
Find Joy in the Little Things
Life's too short to wait around for the big moments to bring you happiness. Instead, focus on finding joy in the everyday moments – like sharing a laugh with your kids over breakfast, enjoying a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood, or cuddling up with a cozy blanket and a good book at the end of a long day. These simple pleasures may not seem like much, but they can make a world of difference in brightening your mood and boosting your spirits.
Learn to Say "No" (Politely, of Course)
As parents, it's easy to fall into the trap of saying "yes" to every request that comes our way – whether it's putting up your hand to volunteer yourself for parent uber services or attending yet another social event. But here's the thing: Your time and energy are precious commodities, and it's okay to prioritize your own needs and well-being. So, don't be afraid to politely decline invitations or delegate tasks when you're feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries is not only empowering for you, but it also sets a positive example for your kids about the importance of self-care and assertiveness.
Stay Grounded with Mother Nature
When life starts to feel overwhelming, there's nothing like a breath of fresh air to help clear your mind and soothe your soul. So, make it a priority to spend time outdoors whenever you can – whether it's going for a walk in the park, gardening in your backyard, or simply sitting on your front veranda and watching the world go by. Not only will this help you feel more grounded and centred, but it will also give you a chance to reconnect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Parenting is a tough gig, and nobody gets it right all the time. So, give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism and embrace the messiness of real life. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes – they're just opportunities for learning and growth. So, instead of dwelling on your failures, focus on the things you're doing right and give yourself credit for all the hard work you're putting in.
Connect with Other Parents
Parenting can sometimes feel like a lonely journey, but you're not alone. Reach out to other parents in your community – whether it's through a local parent group, an online forum, or just chatting with other parents at the pick-up. Sharing experiences, swapping stories, and offering support can make a world of difference in helping you feel less isolated and more connected. Plus, you'll gain valuable insights and tips from other parents who are going through similar experiences.
Prioritise Sleep
We all know that sleep is important, but it's often the first thing to go out the window when life gets hectic. However, getting enough rest is crucial for your physical health, mental well-being, and ability to function effectively as a parent. So, make sleep a priority – even if it means saying no to that late-night Netflix binge or setting a strict bedtime for yourself. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Model Self-Care for Your Kids
Remember, your kids are always watching and learning from you. So, by prioritising self-care and showing them that it's okay to take time for themselves, you're not only taking care of your own well-being – you're also teaching them a valuable life lesson. Plus, you'll be setting a positive example for their own future self-care habits, helping them develop healthy habits and coping strategies that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Final Thoughts
Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it's also one of the most challenging. As parents, we're constantly juggling a million different responsibilities – from managing our kids' schedules to keeping the household running smoothly to navigating the ups and downs of family life. In the midst of all this chaos, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs and well-being.
But here's the thing: Taking care of ourselves isn't just important for our own sake – it's also crucial for the well-being of our families. When we prioritise self-care and make time for ourselves, we're better able to show up as the loving, patient, and present parents our kids need and deserve.
So, go ahead – take a breather, cut yourself some slack, and remember that you're awesome, you’re doing an amazing job, and take things one day at a time.
Parent Support Services
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Ashleigh Bibby - Leader of Wellbeing
Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor
Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor
Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor
Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner