Navigating parenthood while living with chronic illness can be a daunting and overwhelming task. It can be hard enough to manage your health when you’re not responsible for another human being, so it’s understandable why some folks feel like they don’t have time to take care of themselves while managing parenting duties. However, managing your health is essential if you want to be the best parent possible.
Here are some tips on how to balance living with a chronic illness and parenting.
1) Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is an essential part of managing any chronic illness, but it can often get overlooked when life gets busy. Managing your health should always be at the top of your list of priorities—even sometimes above parenting duties! Make sure you give yourself ample time each day to rest and recharge, whether that means taking a nap, engaging in mindfulness activities or indulging in some leisurely activities like reading or watching TV. Taking care of yourself first will help ensure that you have the energy needed to take care of your children.
2) Lean on Others for Help
It’s normal to feel like you must do everything on your own once you become a parent, but it’s OK—and even encouraged—to ask for help from friends and family members when needed. Ask a friend or family member if they could watch the kids while you rest or go to appointments related to your chronic illness. Having someone else around who can pick up the slack in times of need will make things much easier for everyone involved!
3) Find Supportive Communities Online
Finding online communities that understand what it’s like living with a chronic illness can be incredibly helpful in navigating life as both a parent and an ill person. There are tons of groups out there dedicated specifically to helping parents cope with their illnesses while still managing their family life. One of my personal favorites is Shift.Ms . Connecting with other people who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly comforting and reassuring during difficult times.
Navigating parenthood while living with a chronic illness isn’t easy, but it’s certainly possible! Taking time for self-care, asking for help when needed, and connecting with supportive communities are all key components of managing both responsibilities successfully. Don’t forget that you’re doing an amazing job—you’ve got this!
If you have other ideas or tips for managing Parenthood and Chronic Illness- feel free to leave them below!