Parent Self-Care

July 14, 2025

Supporting your son’s/daughter’s passion for football in today’s complex fast changing world presents a parent with a tough challenge. To successfully support your son/daughter on their football journey you need to take care of yourself. You need to work at maintaining your personal wellbeing,your feeling of inner contentment and being at peace with the world. Having a feeling of wellbeing will give you strength, hope and energy to keep supporting your on/daughter, especially through the inevitable difficult sometimes seemingly hopeless times.

To achieve a sense of wellbeing you need to regularly find time just for you. This is your ’Parent Time’. It might be engaging in a favourite pastime such as reading or gardening, or a sporting or other physical activity, or just walking the dog. It could also be regularly going to you favourite place for time-out by yourself. What is important is that you make your ‘Parent Time’ a sacred and high priority part of your weekly schedule.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. What is important is that you take the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some self-care tips:

Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health.
Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises.
Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for.
Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.