Often we encounter different emotions and difficult situations with the children, and are constantly teaching emotional regulation. In addition to the daily conversations at the door about the kids, occasionally a parent needs an ear as well.
A family was going through a tough time, and I overheard a parent commenting about the unfortunate events that had led up to the family unit dissolving. Being an advocate for my littles, trying to always be aware, I took note of what was happening. Carefully watching the children for signs of distress. Taking some time to approach each parent about their own emotional well being.
The family found comfort in knowing that they had a support system in place for their children at daycare. Sadly one of the parents had decided to take a stance that led me to set up a boundary of accountability. The situation started with the Parent stating, ” I have to put my own mask on first, I can’t deal with the children’s issues at daycare.” It is still your parental duties to help with the needs of your children. When a daycare approaches a parent, rest assured, it is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Taking care of yourself does not allow you to put parenting on the back burner. People don’t understand the saying, so they assume by “putting on your own mask first” means to only take care of yourself. That could not be further from the truth. Breathe, make sure your addressing your problems so you can be a more effective parent, not an absent one. Your “Mask” goes on when you maintain your own emotional and mental regulation, setting boundaries, for self and others. Putting on your “mask first” is so you are better able to help those around you, not ignore your responsibilities.