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.
We’re just beginning to understand how the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted intimate relationships. During the pandemic we have all learned how much we need each other. As we head into a winter of social isolation, it’s important to seek emotional support if you are in the midst of a coronanvirus divorce.
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.
With many colleges and universities now in full swing, students may be tempted to gather in groups that violate the COVID 19 health and safety protocols on campus. There can be consequences for these choices as school administrators strive to keep residence halls and classrooms open until at least Thanksgiving.
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.
