The Operation Kidsafe Blog
So why does our mental health matter when it comes to protecting our children from abuse?
LOTS!
When we aren’t coping or we are in crisis, our kids are inadvertently exposed and at risk.
It’s imperative that as parents we prioritise our mental health in order to ensure our own struggles and traumas don’t bleed onto them or leave them vulnerable.
- It is infinitely harder to manage and remain proactive and protective when we are going through crisis or struggling mentally. (Not impossible just harder)
- Our children are often caught up in our mental health struggles with us and we sometimes (unconsciously) bleed our struggles and trauma onto them.
- Our children often trigger our unresolved and healing traumas (especially if they are the same age as our abuse) and this can lead to confusion and conflicting emotions.
- We don’t do it on purpose but without us taking time out to care for our mental health, it can inadvertently leave our children with stability, safety and potentially exposed.
When caregivers are happy and healthy, our children are generally happier, healthier and safer. It takes the whole family and everyone in your family is important.
It’s ok to struggle, it’s ok to ask for help and need support. Those are really important and healthy things to share with our kids and it’s important to normalise them for their own mental well-being.
But in order for us to do our best job as parents, we need to take care of our mental health and well-being and make it a priority, even when it feels wrong to do so!
It really does make a difference and parenting is so much easier if we don’t leave our emotional and spiritual cups empty.
Parents, you are a super hero in disguise, but even superheroes need to recharge!
This is a gentle reminder that not only do you need to take care of your mental health, but your children need you to for their own safety and well-being.
Here are some simple ways to nurture your mental health:
- Practise mindfulness or meditation.
- Reach out to friends and loved ones for support.
- Prioritise sleep and exercise.
- Explore hobbies that bring you joy.
- Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
This week, let’s make a commitment to ourself and prioritise self-care and mental well-being.
If not for you, for the little people in your lives because you can’t do the best job you can when you are struggling.
Much love xx
Kristi
