Discover the importance of taking breaks from parenting for personal well-being and better parenting. Meri Sehat provides insights into self-care strategies for parents.

Why Taking A Break From ‘Parenting’ Makes You A Better Parent?

Has parental burnout left you a shell of a human being you used to be? You might be entitled to a break.

Overview

<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/the-rise-of-one-and-done-parenting">Parenting</a> is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. In the midst of trying to juggle work, household responsibilities and the needs of our children, it can be easy to forget to take care of ourselves. However, taking a break from &ldquo;parenting&rdquo; can actually make us better parents in the long run. When we take a break, we allow ourselves to recharge and replenish our energy. This can help us be more present and engaged when we are with our children. We are able to respond to their needs more effectively and with greater patience and understanding.

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Taking a break

&nbsp;It&rsquo;s important to note that taking a break doesn&rsquo;t mean neglecting our children. Rather, it means finding ways to prioritise our own needs and well-being so that we can show up as our best selves for our children. This could mean taking a day off work, going on a weekend getaway with your partner, or simply taking a relaxing bath or reading a book in the evening after the kids are in bed. One of the benefits of taking a break is that it also helps us gain perspective. Sometimes, when we are in the thick of parenting, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees. Taking a step back can help us re-evaluate our priorities and goals, and adjust as needed. It can also give us a chance to reflect on our parenting style and identify areas where we may want to make changes.

Taking a break also ends up benefitting your children as they learn to be more independent. Leslie Parrott, therapist and co-author of The Parent You Want to Be says, &ldquo;If parents never give their children the opportunity to experience these absences, when it is time to enter kindergarten or they are separated for some other reason they often experience extreme anxiety.&rdquo;

Of course, taking a break is easier said than done. Many of us may feel guilty or selfish for wanting to take time for ourselves. But it&#39;s important to remember that self-care is not selfish. When we take care of ourselves, we become better at taking care of others.&nbsp; 
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So, how can we take a break from parenting? Here are a few ideas:

<ul>
	<li>Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to watch the kids for a few hours or a day.</li>
	<li>Set aside time each day for a self-care activity, such as exercise, meditation or simply painting your nails.</li>
	<li>Make sure you spend time with friends who don&rsquo;t have kids as well as friends who have kids the same age as yours. The latter ones can empathize with you and the former keep you young and fresh.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Schedule a regular date night with your partner and make arrangements for the baby sitter beforehand to avoid any last-minute cancellations.</li>
	<li>Make time for hobbies or interests that you enjoy, even if it&#39;s just for 20 minutes per day.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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Conclusion

Remember, taking a break from parenting isn&rsquo;t a luxury &mdash; it&rsquo;s a necessity. By prioritising our own well-being, we can become more patient, present and loving parents in the long run. And yes, you might get some judgments thrown your way since parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about but the toughest thing to actually undertake. So, ignore the naysayers and remember you&rsquo;re doing this not just for yourself but so that your kids can get a happy, healthy, relaxed and calm parent as well.&nbsp;

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