Parenting. Is. Hard.
We know parenting is a rewarding yet demanding journey, often leaving little time for personal well-being. Lucy from NEST has put together some essential self-care tips to help parents recharge and maintain their mental and physical health.
Quite honestly, we know parenting shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be done alone. Years ago, it seems we had a tighter sense of community, where raising children was a collective effort. Today, societal pressures often make parents feel that seeking support indicates they are not coping well, leaving many to struggle in isolation. This unfortunate reality stops numerous parents from reaching out for the help they need, leading them to parenting alone.
Parenting is hard, which makes it crucial to make time for yourself. We know this is easier said than done, but we promise you'll feel so much better for it. Time for yourself doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive; it could be an evening walk once a week with a friend, a weekly gym session, or a monthly massage. Whatever helps you recharge, schedule it in and treat it as a necessity. Remember, self-care is essential—none of us can pour from an empty cup.
In this crazy busy world, find your ‘community’. Seek our friends who check in on you when you’re quiet, or drop off a hot coffee after a tough night, or take you for an evening walk to reset before a long and isolating night ahead. Find those people that make you feel less alone and are in the moment with you.
Becoming a parent is one of life's biggest changes, making self-care crucial, but it's also okay to admit when you're struggling. If you find yourself overwhelmed, remember that support is available—don't face your feelings alone. Whether it's reaching out to your partner, friends, family, or a trusted professional, please know that you are not alone.
When we reach out to a partner or friends and family for support, they often ask, "What can I do to help?" It's important to think about your answer and what would genuinely be helpful for you. Maybe it's requesting some freezer meals to avoid cooking for a few nights, scheduling activities you enjoy to have something to look forward to, or asking someone to watch your little one for an hour so you can attend a gym class or enjoy a hot cup of tea in peace. Identify what you need and what will truly help you.
In general, we’ve found that getting outside and moving every day can be incredibly beneficial! Even a 30-minute walk can help clear your mind and provide a much-needed reset. Additionally, be mindful of the social media accounts you follow. Remember, it’s easy to forget when you’re feeling down and overwhelmed that what people share on social media is only a tiny snapshot of their lives.
About NEST
NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy Service with a team of highly trained consultants offering bespoke support and advice to families from pregnancy until a child is at school. NEST stands for Nurture, Educate, Support - Together, an ethos we are really passionate about. We ensure that every family receives a service that is confidential, informative, and exclusively tailored to each individual family and their needs. We work alongside you and your family in a nurturing and non-judgmental way to support you in your child's early years.
NEST was founded in 2018 by Lucy, a Norland Nanny and Maternity Practitioner who has worked with families and their children, both privately and in the community with the NHS. Lucy passionately believes that no two journeys are the same, which is why she felt a bespoke service should be made available.
If you would like further support on sleep, weaning, breastfeeding or bottle feeding, toilet training, behaviour, fussy eating, managing emotions, or anything else, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with NEST, either via their website: www.n-est.co.uk, by giving them a call on 07825308570, or by dropping them a message on their IG page: @nest.children.
