Taking Care of Yourself in order to Give Your Child The Best

5 minutes

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 22 December, 2021

Taking care of yourself as a woman is an act of wisdom, health and well-being. It means remembering how much we’re worth and how much we deserve, in order to give our best to our children. It means learning to be strong, to push our fears aside. And it means embracing hope and a well-being that heals, guides and nourishes.

Many child-raising and motherhood experts remind us of a mother’s need to tend to her basic needs. They aren’t just referring to physical needs, but emotional and psychological needs as well. It’s important that mothers take care of themselves during both pregnancy and the first months after giving birth.

Family and friends always insist that mothers-to-be go to their OBGYN appointments and get their ultrasounds done. We obsess over eating right during pregnancy. But very seldom do we focus on how women are emotionally, if they are stressed, etc.

What’s more, for many mothers, the most delicate and complex stage comes after the birth of their child. However, to this day, postpartum depression continues to be a taboo. We often label mothers who are tired, unkempt, discouraged or frustrated as “bad mothers.”

We need to make some changes regarding these issues. Postpartum depression affects 15% of women. This is not a small number. We need to take a step back and take on this issue.

Sometimes a mother can’t handle everything and needs help. She needs advice, guidance and, above all else, someone close by to let her know she is understood. If not, she will likely perceive herself as a bad mother and will have a hard time believing otherwise.

By investing in ourselves, we gain quality of life. We must care for ourselves the way we deserve. We must heal as women. These are the first steps towards finding happiness and, at the same time, giving the best to our children. The same thing happens with fathers.

Taking care of our mental and emotional well-being will guarantee us success as we raise our children. It will guarantee personal and familial harmony where we can take on any challenge… Where we can enjoy every day, every detail…

Healing myself as a woman is being able to identify the wounds I carry inside

What are we referring to when we talk about “healing ourselves”? First of all, let’s remember that many of us face each day with a number of unresolved issues. These may include anger, hidden sadness, traumatic memories, unmet needs, feelings of emptiness, etc.

No one can give authentic strength and love to someone else if they are weighed down by these wounds. These tiny black holes become part of our daily life and even affect the way in which we raise our children.
We must identify those wounds, those scars that keep us from breathing freely.
Knowing how to identify our wounds and accept them is a step towards healing.
Later on, we need to air out the wound, cry, vent… And move on with our heads held high

Being brave, knowing how to forgive, and gaining wisdom along the way

Healing is, at the same time, understanding that everything we’ve experienced and suffered can make us stronger. In order for that to occur, we need to learn to forgive. We need to put the past in the past, close the door, and fix our eyes on new horizons. Our future is full of hope, dreams and maturity.

Don’t be a prisoner of your past. Your present is full of opportunities. Restart your life with the lessons you’ve learned. Your experiences are what give you your own identity, a unique story to overcome.

You are a resilient woman that has turned her weaknesses into strengths. So close the cycle of pain from your past, cross the threshold into the present. Everything is new, and you are the protagonist.

I take care of myself and I love myself in order to give the best version of myself

Don’t forget about yourself, mom. You tend to your baby, watch him as he sleeps, feed him frequently, you’re always attentive, you anticipate his needs…. Now, what about you? What are you doing to take care of yourself ?

Don’t place yourself in the background. Take time to care for yourself. Care for your relationship with your partner. Get out often to spend time with friends or acquaintances. If you don’t, you could easily reach the end of your rope.

Taking care of yourself: A priority that makes you stronger, happier and more satisfied

You’re a mom, but you’re also a woman, partner, friend, daughter, sister, etc. You are a person with desires to grow, mature and learn. You need to keep all of these roles and desires in balance, because only then will you find true contentment.

Every instant you spend with your child is a gift. But dedicating a few hours to yourself doesn’t make you a bad mother.

So, go ahead and delegate responsibilities. Let your partner, a relative or someone else you trust take care of your kids so that you can disconnect. When you come back, you’ll feel refreshed and renewed!

Do something new every day. Being a mom often means repeating the same routine day after day. Try to mix it up somehow! Sometimes, the smallest detail can bring enormous happiness into our day! Go for a walk, read a book, call a friend, etc.

What are you waiting for to start healing, embrace your identity, and cultivate happiness. Leave your child the best example you can. Show her the beautiful, mature and courageous person you are!