Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers

Parenting is hard work. Between the demands of daily life—jobs, bills, and endless to-do lists—it’s easy to put your needs last. But here’s the truth: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. When your tank is empty, it’s harder to stay calm, patient, and present with your kids. When it’s full, you’re the best version of yourself—for them and for you.

Some caregivers worry that taking time for themselves means neglecting their children. Not true! In fact, self-care sets a powerful example for your kids: it teaches them that taking care of one’s mental and physical health is important. Plus, kids thrive when parents are calm, happy, and able to connect with them meaningfully.

Stress Signals to Watch For:

Physical: Headaches, tense muscles, fatigue.
Emotional: Irritability, anger, or trouble focusing.
Health: Frequent colds or skin issues.

Simple Self-Care Strategies

Share the Load: Delegate chores or politely say no to extra tasks.
Fuel Yourself: Eat well, move daily, and rest when needed.
Relax Daily: Use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or soothing music.
Replace Negative Thoughts: Swap “I can’t do this” for “I’ve got this” or “It’s okay to take a break.”

Self-Care Is Family Care

Your family’s well-being starts with yours. Taking time to recharge makes you calmer, more patient, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. And when you show your kids that self-care is a priority, you’re teaching them a valuable life skill they’ll carry forever.

So go ahead, take that deep breath, claim that moment of quiet, and refill your cup! You’re not just a parent; you’re a role model. And a little self-care goes a long way toward being the parent your kids need most.

If you are looking for more tips around positive parenting, Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers free Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) support on a wide variety of topics for parents of young children. For more information, email TripleP@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-8099.