In this episode, hosts Odette Mould and Sophia Giblin explore ways parents can practice self-care while supporting grieving children. 

There is a societal stigma around doing things for yourself - it’s considered selfish. Parents especially feel the weight of this stigma, because their natural instinct is to put their children first. Another reason people often overlook themselves, especially during times of crisis and grief, is because acknowledging pain can be scary. They avoid it because it can feel overwhelming, and they fear that they won’t be able to recover from it. 

Self-care isn’t all about treating yourself to chocolates, bubble baths, and wine. As a grieving parent, it involves recognising your needs and acting on them. Parents are built to nurture their children, and in the depths of despair, it’s easy to neglect yourself. Finding a way to support yourself and reaching out for help when you need it are ways you can practice self-care. It’s like an oxygen mask, Odette and Sophia share: you have to put on yours first before you can help anyone else. 

Grief may seem like an unconquerable mountain looming in front of you, but the only way to climb that mountain is one tiny step at a time. You can’t overcome it even if you take big strides in a quick space of time. Self-care is one of those tiny steps that carry you through. 

Key Takeaways:

• Doing things for yourself is not selfish - you also deserve nice things!
• Self-care involves recognising your needs and acting on them.
• Grief cannot be overcome by taking big strides quickly - you have to take it one tiny step at a time.

Resources

Harry’s Rainbow
Odette Mould on LinkedIn
Sophia Giblin on LinkedIn