Balancing motherhood and a full-time job takes resilience!
Balancing the whirlwind of motherhood with a full-time job felt like threading a needle in a hurricane. With three kids and a husband who worked long restaurant hours, my days were a blur of responsibilities, leaving little room for self-care. By the time evening rolled around, I was completely exhausted and couldn’t fully engage with my family.
Staci Roth
TREC Director
I soon realized that prioritizing my mental and physical health wasn't just a nice idea – it was essential.
I soon realized that prioritizing my mental and physical health wasn't just a nice idea – it was essential. So, I started making time for exercise, even if it meant waking up a bit earlier or fitting in a quick workout during lunch. I chose purposeful exercises that energized me, like yoga for relaxation and strength training for stamina.
I also began focusing on healthier eating, prepping simple, nutritious meals instead of grabbing fast food. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helped me feel more energized and ready to tackle the day. Having accountability in these efforts has been key as well, so honest conversations with my husband, kids and friends about the changes I needed to make were very humbling, but beneficial. Connecting with friends was another crucial step. Whether it was a quick phone call during a break or a virtual chat after the kids were asleep, these moments of support made a huge difference.
By taking care of myself through exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining friendships, I found that I had more energy and patience to be the mom and partner my family needed. It's a work in progress, but I'm learning that self-care helps me show up better for everyone I love personally and professionally.
Warm regards,
Staci
SCIENCE-BASED RESEARCH
The importance of mental health for parents and guardians.
Maintaining good mental health for parents and caregivers is essential for providing stability, guidance, and support to children while navigating the challenges of raising children of all ages. Researchers have studied the stress levels of working parents as well as the trickle-down effect between a parent's mental health and the physical and mental health of their children.
“Children look to their parents for guidance, security, and self-esteem. Parents who are neglecting their own mental health are likely to have difficulty being the source of support their children need to flourish.”
— Phintso Bhutia, MD, MPH, FAPA, Medical Director, Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit at MultiCare, Tacoma General Hospital.
Another study revealed that children with parents or caregivers experiencing mental health issues were more prone to experiencing overall poor health, exposure to household violence, and various cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges, as cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By prioritizing some alone time each day for yourself, protecting your time from outside commitments, and communicating with your partner or support system to share some of the burdens, you can cultivate resilience, reduce stress, and create a more nurturing environment for your family.
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The TREC Parenting Course focuses on the emotional development of children while giving parents and caregivers insight into maintaining their own well-being. If you are raising a baby, child, or teen, this program can help you navigate through all their stages of growth while, at the same time, taking care of yourself.
Courses are delivered online and can be completed at your own pace. It usually takes about 90 minutes to complete, and you receive a certificate of completion and become a certified Trauma-Resilient Parent.
Please take advantage of this free course and help us spread the word by sharing the Parenting Course post at the top of our social media pages!
