From the journal
Why self-care matters for parents
Taking care of yourself is not selfish — it is part of how you keep caring well for your family.
By Transia Dawson · Updated
As parents, we wear many hats: caregiver, teacher, advocate, provider, protector, safe space, problem-solver, and emotional anchor. I understand how much that requires because I have lived it.
For a long time I knew I had needs of my own, but I felt guilty prioritizing them. Parental burnout forced a truth I could not ignore: when I am not well, my children feel it too.
Self-care allows parents to reset so they can show up with more calm, clarity, and connection. Parent coaching resources emphasize that co-regulation starts with parent regulation — identifying stress signals, pausing before reacting, using low-demand communication, and reframing behavior as communication.
Practices you can try this week
1–3 minutes
Micro-Practices
- Slow breathing or grounding
- A moment of silence before responding
- A sensory reset (stretching, stepping outside, dimming lights)
- Drinking water intentionally
- Saying “I need a minute” before engaging
10–20 minutes
Medium Practices
- A short walk
- Listening to calming or familiar music
- Journaling or voice-noting feelings
- A warm shower or weighted blanket break
- Tidying one small area to reduce sensory load
30+ minutes
Deep-Care Practices
- Therapy or coaching
- A hobby that doesn’t require performance
- Time alone in a quiet space
- Connecting with a supportive friend or community
- Attending a neurodivergent-affirming parent group
Need support building this into real life?
Self-care and co-regulation are part of what we practice in coaching — without adding homework that burns you out.