Why It's Essential to Pace Yourself

By slowing down and taking quiet moments (note: they aren't distributed; you seize them!) for yourself, making time to exercise, and by asking for help to accomplish these objectives, you set an essential example for your children. You show them - much more effectively than telling them - that it's acceptable to spend time with friends or pursue activities you enjoy. If children sense your stress and irritability, they will not speak up and share their own pain, for fear of overwhelming someone they want to protect and help. Nor do they want to lose one parent and watch the other descend into martyrdom. How can you alleviate your child's pain, if you can't manage your own? Do something each day to take care of yourself, even it's just a 10-minute walk around the block to decompress and find a way to smile. Everyone will benefit.