No one gets through life without significant challenges, major disappointments and unwanted changes. And moms often have more than their share of challenges during those busy child-rearing years. So, what will help moms strengthen their resilience? The ability to bounce back and move forward with spunk and confidence. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, developmental psychologist Dr. Marti Erickson, host of Mom Enough®, joins us to discuss this important topic.
1. Why is it important to focus on mothers’ resilience in particular?
- When a woman becomes a mother, her time for selfcare (including sleep!) typically drops by 25%
- Even when both mom and dad work outside the home, moms typically still do the lion’s share of caregiving and housework – and carry “mental responsibility” for many tasks (e.g. medical and dental appointments, school activities, play dates)
- Depression and social isolation are especially common among mothers
- Moms’ wellbeing & resilience have a powerful impact on child wellbeing & resilience
2. Ways to strengthen resilience
- Maintain a strong support network
- Seek out people who bring out the best in you. Take walks with them, form a book group, exchange favors, have play dates for kids and moms. .
- Schedule “me time” like you do other important events
- Mini-breaks can do wonders – a bubble bath, a walk around the neighborhood, being out in nature even for just a few minutes, reading a good novel, whatever helps you feel refreshed. Look at your schedule for the coming week and mark blocks of time just for you on your calendar.
- Learn mind-body skills for managing stress
- There are books, classes and apps to help you (and your children) learn simple, effective skills to integrate into your daily life. These strategies can help you be calmer, more joyful and more physically healthy.
- Seek counseling as necessary, specially if you grew up without adequate support and encouragement and learned unhealthy ways of coping, Therapy can make a huge difference for you, with benefits for your children as well. Seeking help is a sign of strength.
What’s happening with Mom Enough this week?
Register today at momenough.com to attend “A Night Out for ME,” next Monday, May 7, 6 to 8 pm at The Metropolitan in Golden Valley. There will be free food, wine, valuable prizes and an informative and an entertaining presentation by Marti and her daughter Dr.Erin Erickson, co-hosts of Mom Enough.