18 Mar Becoming a better parent: Parents, it’s ok to . . . Part 2

Our Westview team member, Terry Owens, continues our series, Becoming a Better Parent. In this article, Terry encourages us that “Parents, it’s ok to . . . , Part 2”

It has been a month, hasn’t it? Not only are we continuing to deal with COVID-19, now we have had to deal with record cold in our state and community. Frozen pipes, snow, and our kids being out of school due to the weather. We have all had to adjust our lives as parents, and I know it has been challenging. We will continue exploring ideas that come from the “Parents. It’s OK to” meme that our friends from Empowered to Connect posted on Facebook. (empoweredtoconnect.org)

Parents, it’s OK to: Take care of yourself:

Most parents present themselves as invincible and take little time for themselves. We have talked about the importance of taking time to relax and regenerate your batteries. Set aside a time during the day you can be alone in a quiet place to reflect on your needs. Read a book, exercise, do yoga, or take a nap. It’s not only crucial for your children to have a healthy diet, but it’s also crucial for you as well.  If you take care of yourself, you will find when your children are struggling, you will be better equipped to help them through their struggles.

Parents, it’s OK to: Ask for help:

Asking for help can be a challenge for a lot of us. Some consider it a sign of weakness. I’ve struggled with this myself, and over the years, I have learned instead that it’s a sign of real strength when you ask for help. In some cases, you may be able to take a few minutes during the day when your children are preoccupied with homework or other activities to ask others for help. Or, you may need to ask for help so you can get away for an extended period, like a date night, shopping, or a long walk in the park. It takes a village to raise children, and you need to reach out to your village and ask them to help you when things get tough (or before they do).

Parents, it’s OK to: Connect with friends:

Remember that you have friends who may be going through some of the same struggles. Take time to connect with them and heal. Time together helps us relieve the stress in our lives. In those times of connection, share your struggles and laugh together. Laughter is God’s gift to us, and it will help restore your soul and bring joy into your life. Having a social life outside your family is healthy, and it’s needed to maintain your health. Do not feel guilty for wanting to get away from your children to be with friends. Parents need to have time away from their children to regenerate, and it is good for your children as well.

We are here to be a resource for our community, so feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to assist if we can. (wbhadmissions@gmail.com)