Raising Christian Kids
New Year, New You: Self-care Is the First Step to Good Childcare
“How we live today determines how we will live tomorrow. What has to last, has to come first.” -Hal Runkel.
Happy New Year, RCK community! Going into this new year, we should strive to prioritize our health and well-being! If we don't take care of ourselves, then we can’t expect to be able to care for others, specifically our children. So we must practice self-care and confide in God and his living word on this journey. And through God’s grace and mercy, we can have healing hearts, peace of mind, and a happy spirit!
Psalm 46:5 states, “God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
So, how can we teach our children always to be joyful when we are not joyful because of the demands and stress of our busy lives? Self-care is the first step to good childcare! During this episode, Lee Ann elaborates on the following suggestions when practicing self-care to help you become the healthiest leader for your children:
Read the word of God and pray often – stay connected to the power source.
Eat healthily and stay hydrated – set a timer to eat a healthy snack and drink your water.
Make sleep a priority, and don’t forget – intimacy with your spouse should never be neglected.
Take deep breaths and relax often – deep breathing and relaxation activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends a signal to your brain to tell the anxious part that you're safe and doesn't need to use the fight, flight, or freeze response (which causes stress).
Set goals and priorities – stay organized and be ready for the day; this will help keep you on track, and kids love and need consistency and structure.
Try to incorporate each fruit of the Spirit in you and your children’s life daily – make a chart and check off every day how you all were loving, kind, generous, patient, etc.
Reach out to family, friends, the church family, and, most importantly, God for help if you are stressed or overwhelmed.
“But Jesus would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” -Luke 5:16
Resources:
“Becoming a Better You – How Can You Become a Better You so You Can Be a Better Parent?” by Raising Christian Kids.
“Printable Daily Self Care Checklist Plus 40 Easy Self Care Ideas,” by Faith Filled Food for Moms.
“Spiritual Healing – 3 Biblical Steps to Heal Your Wounds,” by Renee Davis.
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