The Way You Love Yourself Affects Your Child s Happiness
The Way You Love Yourself Affects Your Child's Happiness
How to Parent Like You Love Yourself: Because You Should
Why Self-Love is Non-Negotiable for Parents
Welcome to the heart of parenting—where loving yourself is essential.
In a world that often pushes us to seek happiness externally, the real journey begins within.
Think about it: how can you pour from an empty cup? You can't teach your kids to love themselves if you're running on empty. That's why nurturing your own mental and emotional health isn't just good for you—it's vital for your children's happiness and development.
Here's the truth: self-care is the foundation of how you experience the world and, more importantly, how you teach your kids to navigate it. And self-care for parents? Well, when you embrace self-love, you're not just improving your life; you're giving your children the tools to build incredible futures for themselves.
As parents and role models, it's time to shift the narrative.
It's time to create a deep, loving relationship with yourself—not just for your own joy but to set the stage for your children to thrive. *Because the way you love yourself shapes how your children love themselves and see the world. *
Ready to make self-love a priority, not just for yourself, but for the incredible children you're raising?
Mirror of Emotions: Reflecting Self-Love to Your Children
At 26, I was a mom of four. And I knew there had to be a better way to be a parent. To have a joyful home. Many nights, I found myself up breastfeeding and answering emails to clients at 3 a.m. just to keep up. I was exhausted and running on empty.
It was in those moments, as I looked down by the glow of the computer light and saw my daughter peacefully asleep, it hit me: parenting is the art of empowering another human.* __And to empower my children, I needed to prioritize and love myself first.*__
Think of self-love as a mirror—what you reflect about yourself impacts how your child sees themselves. It’s funny to me how some of the top parenting books seem to leave this out!
My advice for parents? When you model self-love and self-care, you're teaching your children that their worth isn't based on external achievements or other people's perceptions. Instead, it comes from a deep, nurturing place within themselves.
So, if you are you constantly doing things like:
- Criticizing yourself
- Neglecting your needs
- Ignoring your well-being
…well, your kids are taking note. They mimic and internalize these patterns and behaviors, which can impact their own sense of self and belonging.
So, you've got to flip the script. When you show compassion towards yourself, celebrate your achievements, and handle setbacks with grace, you're teaching your children invaluable lessons. They'll learn that it’s okay to love themselves, to take time for self-care, and to treat themselves with kindness.
Your child is watching and learning from you every day. Let them see a parent who loves themselves. It's one of the best gifts you can give—showing them that no matter the ups and downs, they are always enough.
Daily Practices to Create Self-Love
So, how do I keep my self-love tank full? By starting each day with a positive affirmation.
Every morning, I pause and say something positive about myself. It could be recognizing my resilience or appreciating my efforts to be the best parent I can be. These small moments of self-recognition are powerful—they anchor me in positivity and provide a steady foundation for the day ahead.
And one affirmation I always come back to?: *“I celebrate myself each day, knowing I am doing the very best I can.” *
Self care for parents is important. So, what daily practices keep you grounded? How do you make sure you're present for yourself so you can be fully there for your family?
Whether it's a quick meditation, a brisk walk, or five minutes with your favorite book, each act of self-care is a step towards a healthier, happier you—and, by extension, a happier family.
Remember, the way you love yourself sets the tone for how your children will treat themselves. Let's make self-love a daily habit for ourselves and for our kids.