#ParentMentalHealthDay
Today, 30th of January, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about parents’ mental health.
Parents’ mental health is essential to both themselves and their children’s well-being.
When parents are emotionally and mentally well, they can better provide support, love, and appropriate guidance to their children.
Being a mum or a dad is not always easy, as beside their parenting are their own personal life problems. These can be related to work, health, economy, personal development, relationships,… there are uncountable difficulties that life can bring along with parenting!
Having good mental health is crucial for everyone in general, but when people become parents… it also influences other humans’ development and well-being. Parents are role models for their kids in every action they take, they are their emotional support and best co-regulators, they are the ones who bring them emotional stability.
When parents have any kind of mental health condition like stress, depression, anxiety or any other mental condition, their parenting becomes a big challenge…as they need to cope with many aspects and may have less energy to interact in a warm and caring manner with their children.
But when parents feel this way, and they also have children with specific conditions, parenting becomes even more challenging, as their kids may need additional support in some of their daily living activities.
Some aspects can help parents maintain good mental health, like having good family ad friends support or even creating a family community besides other parents in similar situations. This can help bring well-being to your family.
Another aspect that is essential for parents is looking after their self-care, as having this in mind will not only improve their own well-being, but also will give them the energy and attention that their kids need and face the daily demands of parenting more effectively.
It is also crucial to understand when parents need to seek therapy from professionals to cope with different life situations.
Being informed and getting to know your child’s condition is crucial to creating another point of view.
Here is a list of books that may be interesting and helpful for parents facing diverse parenting situations.
Parenting the Conundrum Child: The CAN do approach to uncovering their unique abilities
Aniesa Blore
The Effective ADHD Parenting Guide: 15 Easy-to-Implement Strategies to Improve Communication, Cope With Outbursts, Reduce Stress, and Support Academic and Social Success
T. Nicole
Parenting Autism: An Autism Parenting Guide to Help Inform and Support the Spectrum Journey
Jodi O'Connell
The Essential Autism Parenting Handbook: Thrive Amidst Spectrum Disorders, Manage Sensory Challenges, Foster Effective Communication, & Learn the Best Treatments for your Child
Audra Mills
You can find many more books on ASI – Wise Amazon Shop:
ASI – Wise Shop
Each parent will have her or his own way to feel good.
But you? What do you need to maintain your mental health and well-being as a parent?
I invite you to reflect on this and listen to your own needs 🙂