You’re the Co in Co-Regulation!

As caregivers and educators, we spend a lot of energy supporting our kids. This is necessary and important work, but sometimes we forget to nourish ourselves along the way. With so much to juggle, it can be difficult to prioritize ourselves. Even the oft-repeated advice to “put your own oxygen mask on first” can have a ring of shame to it. Sometimes struggling to find time for self-care just feels like one more way we’re falling short, instead of providing the boost we need. If you’re feeling depleted, let us help! Encouragement from our communities can help us train our inner cheerleaders to out-shout those inner critics.

How we do it:

At PlayGroup, we focus on strengths to help kids build resiliency reserves when facing challenges. This approach can help us as adults too!

• What are some things that you’re doing well? No talent is too small or insignificant! Are you great at choosing wind-down television? Did you remember to pick up that prescription on time? Are you someone a friend can trust?

• Take stock of all the things you’ve had to handle this week that you can give yourself a bit more credit for. Flip the script on all the basic chores and household management that surround you. Instead of focusing on what’s not done (or not done perfectly), can you find five things you DID accomplish?

• If you had an hour to play, what activity would you choose for your play plan? Can you spend even five minutes devoted to this—or perhaps just daydream about it the next time you’re on the subway or in a waiting room?

• Remember: we see you! Life is challenging, and you are working so hard! We hope you find a little more ease and joy ahead, but no matter what’s on your plate right now, you are not alone!