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 states re-open to varying degrees and on different timetables, debates about which activities pose too much risk, and which are acceptable, are becoming more common in all of our relationships with friends, family and intimate partners.. Since little is certain still about COVID 19, there are no sure answers. We can only seek to compromise.
COVID 19 has prompted rapid changes in the world of work. Working remotely became an immediate expectation. Some people are working harder than ever while others are facing layoffs, furloughs or pay reductions. Many are also finding that it is the simple comforts of home and family, not striving for more, that matters most.
When “Stay at Home” was first recommended a few weeks ago, it seemed like this would last a matter of weeks. It now seems that this new way of life is here to stay for a while. Job loss, income reduction, remote work expectations and online learning demands fill our days. Online therapy can provide emotional support to get you through.
Valentine’s Day can cause you to reassess where you are in terms of intimate relationships. Anxiety can creep in as friends find partners. Staying true to yourself, letting go of relationships that truly aren’t working, and remaining open to all the possibilities around you can lead you to your own special person.
