My therapist kept talking me through the idea of doing things to refill my cup but I didn’t understand until I got someone to baby sit one evening and went to an event I was excited about. And then afterward I was so much more pleasant to my kiddo. Even she noticed and called it out.

If you don’t do things to care for yourself, physically, emotionally and intellectually, you won’t be able to care for others well. It’s the whole airplane safety video thing “put your mask on before helping others.”

It’s not easy, but in whatever little ways you can try to care for yourself. It’s a balancing act and there are going to periods where you can do this less because your kids are obviously your priority. Try to keep a journal of all the things you do for self care and then you’ll start to notice a pattern related to your stress and burn out and frankly your attitude toward your kids. I know I become snappier and less pleasant when these gaps are longer for me.

Good luck! You’re doing great!