Why self-care matters for mums

Does this sound like you?

You’re a hard-working mum with one thing largely on your mind each and every day, and that is the well-being of your child or children. Your hope is that they are happy, fit and well. That’s because you’re a loving mum who wants the best for her children, and quite rightly. Sadly, there’s a “but”, and that but is your own self-neglect.

With 16 years in private practice, I’ve seen amazing women neglect themselves for their children. I’ve seen them pull out all the stops to have a happy family, but often at their own expense.

Women investing in their children’s happiness and well-being may themselves be unhappy, have a work-life imbalance, feel unhappy in their skin and be stressed, but they still put their children above themselves.

So how do you justify a change to put your needs first and reap some benefits for your family too?

It’s simple. Your children are influenced by what they see around them, what they hear and what they experience. You’re a role model and an example of being a woman. One day, your daughter or daughters may grow up to emulate what they see. They don’t just want to wear nail polish because you do; they may want to do many things that you do. Imagine the wonders that you can pass on when you show self-care and love.

So, next time you think you’re being self-indulgent or feel guilty for caring for yourself and investing in your development, remember you may also be doing it for the kids.