Parenting in the First 3 Years Podcast
#26: What Does Parental Self-Care Look Like?
with Sue Ludwig
When you’re a new parent, you’re expected to do it all. Homemade food, the best diapers, constant eye contact and playtime, zero chemicals. Meanwhile, the whole world is yelling at you that “parental self-care is so important!” When does a busy parent even find time for self-care between the overwhelming expectations coming from ourselves and others?
In this episode, I chat with licensed occupational therapist Sue Ludwig about how owning your “light” as a parent, and all the ways that we accidentally block that light.
Sue is a sought-after speaker, consultant, educator, and author of Tiny Humans, Big Lessons. She’s also president and founder of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT), where she uses a unique blend of clinical expertise, innovation, and leadership to support the advancement of this specialized field on a global level. Download Sue’s 3-Second Rule of Intention tool
Here’s a glance at this episode…
- [03:07] New parents have very high expectations of themselves
- [06:30] What it means to own your light
- [09:06] Ignoring the “shoulds” in parenthood
- [11:05] Are you waiting for someone else to give you permission?
- [14:59] What your own resilience teaches your children
- [17:37] Wanting to eliminate uncertainty in our lives
- [20:49] Is self-care selfish?
- [25:56] What happens when we build walls around ourselves
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One last thing. I spend time each morning in meditation and would love to pray for you, your child or whatever’s on your heart. Simply email me and let me know how to pray. It can be as simple just your name or you can give a short explanation. Either way you can trust that I will do it. It’s a simple, quiet way for us to connect and for me to support you on your parenting journey. 🧡
IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, CHECK THESE OUT:
#19: Keeping a Growth Mindset While Parenting with Estelle Giraud
#23: Finding Guidance through Faith and Prayer with Bunmi Laditan