A Rule of Parenting: Take Good Care of Yourself

We’ve heard the expression, “Parenting doesn’t come with a manual.”  Some days, that seems so much truer than others.  Whether you are having one of those “HELP!!!” days or an ideal day, stick around because it will probably change.

So consider adopting Love and Logic’s rule:  “Take good care of yourself by setting limits without anger, lectures, threats or repeated warnings”.  While it may make you feel a little guilty to think this way, be careful not to live each day with regrets and “I should have’s” like: “Good parents should do everything for their kids” or “Good parents should sacrifice all of their own needs so that their children are never uncomfortable” or “Good parents should never be happy if their kids aren’t”.

Don’t fall into the trap of raising your kids according to these “shoulds.”  When we do this, we put our children first all the time and typically are too drained to show them how much we love them!  Make yourself a priority this week!  Taking care of yourself will not only keep you ready for anything that comes your way, it will help your children to be prepared for the real world and all that it brings… bad days and good.

Never feel guilty about taking good care of yourself. In fact, feel guilty if you don’t take good care of yourself.  If you still wish you had some “manuals” or enjoy reading, check out this article posted by Richmond Family Magazine.

 

Kathy Jenkins is the President of Come To Order, a residential professional organizing company in Richmond, VA.  As a Certified Professional Organizer^®, Certified Family Manager^® Coach, Love & Logic^® Parenting Facilitator/Coach and Student Organizer, Kathy especially enjoys working with kids and their families to help them learn good organizational skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.  To learn more about Love & Logic Parenting, visit Kathy at The Organizing Tutor.