Today’s Parenting Tip:

DECIDE:           You deserve attention.

PRACTICE:       Set aside some time for yourself today – don’t say you can’t. It can be just 15 minutes, if it has to be – although it would be better if it were 30 minutes or an hour. But, you can work yourself up to that, if you need to.

Do whatever feels good for that 15 minutes. Sit quietly, exercise, read, watch TV, listen to music (or dance to the music).

Don’t allow interruptions. Arrange a time when the kids are with someone else or after they are asleep.

Start with once or twice a week and work your way up to every day and for longer periods of time. If you don’t feel some benefit from this “me-time” after doing it several weeks, try changing what you do during your time. You need an activity that will recharge you.

If you have been ignoring yourself for too long, you may have to practice not feeling guilty before you can enjoy your time. You may have to re-learn what things you like, before your activity actually feels good.

Today’s Parenting Tip was inspired by our featured picture book, BOO HOO BIRD.  Read the book to a child in your life each day as a reminder of what you are deciding and practicing that day.

Come back each day for another good parenting decision and how to practice it. (Each day’s activity will also be posted on the Daily Parenting Tips page for easy access.)

Read the whole story at When a Kid Gets Hurt.