As a parent, the summer is a time to cherish your children and create happy memories. However, it can also be a stressful and overwhelming time as you balance family activities, work responsibilities, and keeping up with household chores. But as they are going back to school, you have less time to take care of yourself. It’s hard to be responsible for yourself when you have a tiny human (or multiple) to look after, but self-care is essential for your mental and physical well-being. Especially, without participating in online therapy.
When you’re burnt out, tired, and stressed, you’re not able to give your best self to your family. Nor are you able to give your best self to you or your work. To be the best parent, partner, employee, or boss, you need to take care of yourself. So, here are a few self-care tips for parents to help you recharge and refocus during the busy back-to-school season.
Why is Self Care Important for Parents? 
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. This is true but also, as a parent, you are constantly giving and caring for your children. This can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Self-care is necessary to replenish your energy and recharge yourself so that you can continue being a loving and attentive parent. Plus, keeping your “cup” full for yourself also sets a good example for your children.
Self-care also helps reduce stress levels, improve overall mood and well-being, and boosts self-esteem. When you take care of yourself, you are setting an example for your children to do the same. It shows them that taking care of oneself is essential and teaches them the importance of self-love and self-respect. For example, if you take the time to exercise and eat well, your children will see these habits and may adopt them as well. Or instead of saying “yes” to every invite you get, take time to practice self-care and say “no” when you need to. It shows your children that it’s okay to prioritize their own needs.
When You Don’t Take Time, You Get Burnt Out
Maybe you feel as if you can push through the stress and exhaustion without taking time for yourself. But eventually, it will catch up to you. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It can cause feelings of detachment, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. When you reach this point, not only are you unable to take care of your children properly, but it also affects your relationships with others as well as your work performance. For instance, when you’re too touched out or exhausted to interact with your child, it can lead to feelings of guilt and frustration. Or, when you’re too burnt out to focus on work, it can impact your productivity and quality of work.
Burnout is a serious issue that can affect all aspects of your life. It can lead to more serious mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. This is why it’s crucial to practice self-care regularly and prevent yourself from getting burnt out. And if you do start to feel burnt out? Consider exploring online therapy in Atlanta, GA, or anywhere in Georgia to help you navigate and manage your emotions during this challenging time. It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself.
How to Make Sure You Are Taking a Time Out for Yourself
You have many roles in your household and even outside of it. You’re a spouse, parent, employee, caregiver, and so much more. With these roles and titles that you carry, there are a lot of expectations and responsibilities placed on you. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget about your own needs and put others first. But taking care of yourself is not selfish or neglecting your obligations; it’s essential for your overall well-being. Making time for self-care should be a priority, just like any other task on your to-do list. Here are some ways you can make sure that you’re taking time out for yourself:
Take a Break
This type of break isn’t like the one you would take at work – where you continue to work while eating lunch. Take a real break and do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or watching your favorite TV show. It doesn’t have to be long; even 15-30 minutes can make a difference in how you feel. This can be a daily practice or a weekly treat, depending on what works best for you. For instance, do you have a favorite snack you don’t get to eat often? Find a peaceful place to enjoy it without any distractions. Or, have a date night with your partner!
Empower Your Children
Sometimes, the best way to relieve some of your parental duties is to empower your children to take care of themselves. “Fend for yourself” nights can be a fantastic way to encourage your child to become more independent while also giving you a well-deserved break. On these nights, allow your children to prepare their own meals. Not only does this build their confidence and cooking skills, but it also teaches them the importance of self-reliance and responsibility.
Depending on their age, children can handle a variety of meal preparation tasks, from making simple sandwiches to heating up leftovers in the microwave. Start with small, manageable steps and gradually increase their responsibilities as they become more comfortable. This practice not only frees up some of your time but also gives your child a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a fun and educational activity that can spur creativity and a love for cooking.
Assigning Chores Can Help You Recharge
Assigning chores to your children is another effective way to manage your household while teaching your little ones valuable life skills. Create a chore chart that lists tasks like setting the table, taking out the trash, and tidying up their rooms. Rotate responsibilities regularly to ensure that everyone gets a chance to learn and contribute. Remember, the goal is to make chores a routine part of their daily lives, not to overload them with too much at once. By sharing the workload, you’re lightening your own load and fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation within your family.
Divide and Conquer
Normally, the divide and conquer strategy isn’t a good thing. But in this case, it can help you take care of yourself while also balancing your responsibilities. Talk to your partner or family members about sharing tasks and responsibilities, so that everyone gets a break. For example, if you usually cook dinner every night, ask your partner to take over a few nights a week. Or if you need some alone time to recharge, see if someone else can watch the kids for an hour. Additionally, since your children are starting school again, sports are starting too.
If you have more than one child, alternating which parent takes which child to practice or games can give both of you some time alone. However, that doesn’t mean it has to be completely split. After each child’s practice, game, or activity, take time to catch up as a family and share about your day. It’s important to find balance and not become too isolated from each other.
Leave Work Outside of the Home
It’s easy to bring work home and continue to work after your shift is over, especially if you’re working from home. But leave your work out of your life. When you clock out, take off your work hat and put on your parent or your partner hat. Focus on being present with your family during this time. If possible, try to create a designated workspace in your home, so that when you’re done working for the day, you can physically leave that area and disconnect from work.
If you need to vent? Make a specific time for it during the day or week so that you’re not constantly thinking about work. It’s essential to have boundaries between work and home life, even if they’re happening in the same physical space. This way your plate doesn’t feel as full and neither do you.
Have or Add a Support System
Parents are often likened to superheroes but that doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. Have a support system in place, whether it’s family or friends, who can help you when things feel overwhelming. This can look like alternating which parent picks up the children from school so the other parent can have some time to themselves. Or maybe you and a friend can take turns watching each other’s children for an afternoon.
Thus, giving both of you a much-needed break. Having a schedule to track all of this can help you stay organized and make sure everyone gets the support they need. Keep in mind that it’s okay to ask for help, and it doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. It just means you recognize when you need assistance, and that is a sign of strength.
Be Brave Enough to Ask For Help 
As much as people may deem you a super parent, you can’t do all the parenting, household tasks, and everything else on your own. Especially without a detriment to your mental and emotional well-being. Sometimes, the stressors in our lives may require additional support from a professional. It’s okay to seek help from a therapist in Decatur, GA, or utilize online therapy in Atlanta, GA, to help you manage and process your emotions. Therapy can provide a safe space for you to express yourself without judgment and learn coping strategies to navigate this demanding time.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for your overall well-being. You have many roles and responsibilities as a parent but don’t forget about your own needs. Make time for self-care by taking breaks, dividing tasks with others, leaving work outside of the home, having a support system in place, and being brave enough to ask for help when needed. Online therapy in Atlanta, GA can be a great resource for support. Remember, by taking care of yourself, you’re also better equipped to take care of those around you.
Take Time For Self Care with Online Therapy in Atlanta, GA
As a parent, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. And while traditional therapy may not be feasible for busy parents, online therapy in Atlanta, GA can provide the support and guidance you need from the comfort of your own home. With the added stressors of balancing work, household tasks, and children returning to school during a pandemic, taking care of yourself is more critical than ever. At Faith and Family Empowerment, our founder is a parent and therapist in Decatur, GA who also provides online therapy in Atlanta, GA. He understands the unique challenges parents face and can provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Our Decatur, GA-based practice offers a place for you to prioritize your well-being and strengthen your relationships with your family. When you’re ready to begin counseling these steps:
- Contact me to schedule an initial appointment
- Learn more about me and my services
- Recharge and take care of yourself with the support of online therapy in Atlanta, GA!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Online Therapy in Atlanta, GA is just one of the many therapy services offered at Faith and Family Empowerment in Decatur, GA. I’m happy to offer a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include Christian counseling, and depression support groups. Other mental health services include online therapy, premarital counseling, discernment counseling, marriage counseling, and counseling for affair recovery.Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!
About the Author 
Meet William Hemphill, a seasoned therapist with over twenty years of experience, specializing in helping parents struggling to implement self-care. Curious about how to find the right strategies for self-care and what steps to take? William offers personalized advice and effective strategies to help you foster joy, embed deep values, and build a robust foundation in your personal well-being. As the visionary behind Faith and Family Empowerment, he enhances the unique dynamics of each family. Whether you aim to deepen trust, boost self-esteem, or nurture a closer bond, William’s empathetic approach and seasoned insight will prepare you for a fulfilling future. Searching for expert guidance on self-care in Atlanta, GA? Your guide is here. Contact William today.