As mothers we are biologically programmed to take care of the needs of everyone in the family. But we need to make space for taking good care of ourselves too. This starts with assuring our basic needs are met everyday.
Technology enables moms to multitask more easily but more is expected of modern parents. Even in households espousing gender equality, women tend to take on more of the childcare and household responsibilities, as well as the corresponding mental load. Dads can ease this burden by taking more initiative and following through.
Motherhood is often not what we understood or imagined it would be based upon our observations of our own mothers. While growing up, we often failed to see the behind the scenes work and effort that we now experience first hand.
Sometimes new or expectant mothers see media coverage of tragic loss in the postpartum and become concerned about “getting” postpartum depression. It’s important to talk to your providers and learn about local community resources for postpartum women.
As the COVID 19 pandemic wears on, more women are leaving the workforce. Women are assuming new childcare responsibilities in greater numbers, in part because of larger societal realities such as the gender wage gap and employment in industries that have been impacted more by social isolation measures.
Parents are experiencing high levels of anxiety as they attempt to make Fall plans for their children, particularly in relation to education. Making time for self-care is essential to maintaining good physical and mental health. Reaching for more support can be an important form of preventative health care.
As the COVID 19 pandemic continues in the summer heat, boredom is rising. We are increasingly tempted to step out and undertake various activities after assessing the associated risk. Vacations seem to do little to relieve feelings of boredom this year because options are still limited in many destinations.
