Updated: August 18, 2014
Originally Published: August 14, 2012
This morning, I woke up at 6 AM, eager for a brief moment of solitude before my children required my attention. Though, let’s be honest: as a new parent, I’m essentially on duty around the clock, especially with a newborn in the house.
After nursing the baby at 4:45 AM, I managed to put her back down by 5 AM, and for the first time in ages, I felt a surge of energy. The baby had slept an impressive six hours straight—what a miracle! I had grand plans for my early morning: enjoying a hot cup of coffee without interruptions, writing a blog post, squeezing in a run, or even taking a refreshing shower—all before 7 AM, when my partner would need my help with the kids as he got ready for work.
However, rather than savoring this rare opportunity for personal time, I did exactly what I had vowed not to do. I pulled the curtains tighter, snuggled back into my warm bed, and drifted off to sleep, a habit I often fall into.
As I succumbed to sleep, I made a mental note: I wouldn’t berate myself later for being “lazy” and sleeping in, especially when I could have been productive. Instead, I chose to treat myself with the same kindness I’d offer a friend in a similar situation.
If my friend were in my position, I would remind her, “You’ve lost the baby weight before, and you can do it again. Just remember, it won’t vanish overnight. Give yourself a break; you have a seven-week-old baby!” I’d point out that one night of decent sleep doesn’t erase weeks of fatigue. I’d let her know that it’s perfectly acceptable for her blog to go unupdated. And most importantly, I’d remind her that savoring a cup of hot coffee is more of a dream than a reality for most new parents.
By the time I finally got up at 7 AM, I felt refreshed. I wasn’t bursting with enthusiasm, but I recognized that failing to rise at my intended time didn’t equate to being a sloth. I wouldn’t judge a friend for hitting the snooze button after a night spent caring for a baby.
We all know the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. Why is it often more challenging to extend that same kindness to ourselves? I propose a twist on that principle: Treat yourself as you would treat others. I commit to being more aware of this in my daily life.
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In summary, practicing self-kindness as a parent can significantly impact your well-being. By shifting our mindset to treat ourselves with compassion, we can navigate the challenges of parenting with greater ease.
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