As part of Children's Mental Health Week 2025, we are looking at how the important grown-ups in children's lives could take steps to look after themselves.

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding and joyful parts of life but can also be seen as a full-time job; especially if you’re doing it on your own, don’t have a family support network around you, have a child with additional or complex needs, or when work commitments overlap with your parenting role. Balancing some or all of these responsibilities can affect both your physical and mental health. This is why self-care for parents and carers is essential. Taking care of yourself helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall well-being.

Here’s why self-care is important for parents/carers with hectic schedules:

Lower Stress:
Parenting can feel overwhelming but taking short breaks for activities like reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, meditating or doing some yoga can help reduce stress. This allows you to handle your tasks better and be more present for your children.

Preventing Burnout:
Focusing on others’ needs all the time can lead to burnout. By making self-care a priority, you can recharge and avoid feeling drained, which helps you manage both parenting and work responsibilities.

Better Physical Health:
Self-care affects your physical as well as your mental health. Activities like exercise and eating healthily give you more energy, helping you stay active and reducing the risk of illness or stress-related health issues.

Improved Mental Health:
Parenting can be mentally exhausting. Neglecting self-care might make you feel isolated or stressed. Taking time for activities you enjoy, like spending time with friends or on hobbies, can improve your mental health and make parenting more enjoyable.

Setting an Example:
When you prioritize self-care, you teach your children the importance of taking care of themselves. This sets a positive example for their own well-being.

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even simple activities like reading or going for a walk can make a big difference. The key is consistency. We understand that it can be difficult to grab even a minute sometimes to put this into action.

Here at COG we understand the importance of self-care and the need to prioritize your own wellbeing to parent your children to the best of your ability. Our Family Support team travels with you on your parenting journey; making sure they are there to answer questions, offer advice and a listening ear at our supportive groups and through 1-1 meetings.

We support your family from the birth of your child until they begin their primary school education. For parents of children with SEND or additional needs, we continue this support with a monthly group just for parents and carers.

We will work alongside you, helping you find the time to prioritize your well-being, whether that be inviting you to one of our welcoming toddler groups, parent/carer only groups or (where possible) facilitate you child attending pre-school sessions (from age 2 years) at times/days that fit in with your schedule, allowing you time to work, attend appointments or meet friends for a coffee.

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