Look after yourself
You play an important role in how well your children cope with all of the changes happening in their lives. While this is a stressful time for you as well, remember that, as always, your children look to you for guidance. Try to strike a balance between looking after your own needs and emotional health and supporting those of your children.
Taking care of yourself – your physical and mental health – will go a long way to helping you cope. If you let yourself become worn out or overtired, you may have trouble making some of the many decisions that come up along the way.
- Get enough rest; most adults need 7 to 8½ hours of sleep a night
- Make exercise a daily habit; walk or go for bicycle rides with your children
- Eat healthy meals; if you were not the cook in the family home and now find yourself on your own, opt for healthier-choice items when eating out, or check out the ready-made salads or small portion meals available at your supermarket
- If you have a job, continue to go to work – it restores a sense of normalcy and keeps you in contact with other adults
- Use your support network; don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or even coworkers who are close to you
Make time for your children
Be consistent with rules/boundaries
Keep routines the same
Allow children to make choices
Let “kids be kids”
Next section: Keeping the lines of communication open
