Ever feel like you've completely lost yourself in the chaos of parenting? Like your entire identity has been reduced to meeting your children's needs while yours keep getting pushed to the back burner?
I recently sat down with Kate House from Live by Design for a conversation that might just change how you approach self-care as a parent. Kate, a behavior change specialist and top podcaster, began her own journey during the pandemic when she found herself at home with a two-year-old and a 10-month-old, feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected from herself.
What she discovered was transformative: the relationship you have with yourself directly impacts the one you have with your children. "You can only give your kids what you have inside," Kate shared. If you want to give your children delight, patience, and presence, you must first nurture those qualities within yourself.
But how do we actually make this happen when we're already overwhelmed? Kate suggests two practical approaches:
First, start incredibly small—so small it almost seems pointless. Don't commit to training for a half-marathon if you haven't run in years. Instead, put on comfortable shoes and take a 10-minute walk. These small actions compound over time, creating significant positive change without overwhelming your already full schedule.
Second, examine your calendar with a critical eye. Kate recommends asking yourself a polarizing question about each commitment: "Is this an opportunity or an obligation?" If something drains your energy rather than nourishing you, consider setting boundaries—which Kate frames as a "yes, no, yes sandwich" to make saying no feel more comfortable.
The good news? This approach aligns perfectly with peaceful parenting. Just as we validate our children's feelings before setting a limit, we can acknowledge ourselves while still protecting our boundaries. As Kate puts it, "You don't have to feel guilty to take care of yourself."
Want to dig deeper into creating intentional routines that honor both your needs and your children's? I'm excited to share that Kate has generously offered my readers free access to her Goals with Soul Summit—a $97 value that includes live coaching and practical guidance for setting aligned goals. Click on https://mskatehouse.thinkific.com/courses/the-goals-with-soul-summit-2024-all-access-pass and use discount code: delight.
Remember, taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential to showing up as the parent you want to be.
To Learn More About Kate House:
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