St Anthony's News

Wellbeing

Parent Wellbeing

Parenting is a demanding job and takes a lot of physical and emotional energy. It can be easy to lose sight of the importance of looking after yourself. If you’re tired, stressed or exhausted, it’s difficult to be the parent that you want to be. When you feel happy and well you’re better able to cope with stress, maintain relationships and enjoy parenthood. 

Good wellbeing can include:

  • Feeling able to cope with daily stresses
  • Having a sense of purpose and generally enjoying life
  • Feeling able to manage negative emotions
  • Feeling connected to your community
  • Having supportive relationships
  • Being able to do and enjoy things that are important to you

Thinking about the following questions might help you figure out what area you need to focus on, or give you some ideas on how to improve your wellbeing.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I have someone I can talk to about my feelings, thoughts and experiences?
  • Do I do things that I enjoy or make me feel good?
  • Do I spend time with people outside of my immediate family?
  • Do I get regular physical activity?
  • Do I feel hopeful about tomorrow?
  • Do I make time for distractions and fun?
  • Do I set aside regular time for relaxation and activities that I enjoy?
  • Do I eat regular and healthy meals?
  • Do I get enough sleep?
  • Do I get breaks from my daily responsibilities?
  • Do I feel happy and content with my life most of the time?
  • Do I think clearly and feel that I can work through any problems?

Take small steps to improve your wellbeing. Looking after yourself doesn’t need to take up a lot of time or involve big changes.

You can:

  • Reach out for support
  • Plan time to yourself
  • Don’t be hard on yourself
  • Remember that tough phases pass
  • Build supportive relationships
  • Do things that you enjoy or find relaxing
  • Avoid expecting too much of yourself
  • Take any opportunity to get some rest
  • Don’t compare yourself to other parents
  • Socialise – join a parenting support group
  • Say ‘yes’ when someone offers you support
  • Ask for help – you don’t have to do it alone
  • Go for a short walk everyday with your child
  • Reward yourself and plan things to look forward to
  • Talk about how you feel with family and friends
  • Eat regular, healthy meals and exercise regularly
  • Enjoy time with your child - notice what’s special about them    
  • Value yourself and the job you are doing as a parent

It’s OK to seek support. You’re not alone. There are a lot of supports and services to help you look after your wellbeing.

  • Trusted family or friends
  • GP or counsellor
  • Parentline - 13 22 89
  • Beyond Blue -  24hrs -  1300 224 636
  • Suicide Call Back Service - 24hrs - 1300 659 467
  • PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia - 1300 726 306
  • Parenting support groups (online or face-to-face)

Note: the above information was adapted from parentline.com.au 

 

Taking care of yourself makes it easier to take care of your children.  If we can support you with your role as a parent please don't hesitate to make contact.

 

Best wishes,

Peta Overbury

Deputy Principal