Self-Care

Is it Selfish or Absolutely Necessary?

By Rivette Pena

Balancing personal time with parenting duties becomes even more challenging when your kids follow the same schedule as you, especially when you’re a teacher. You’re off, yay, but so are they. How do you prioritize self-care while caring for your children? Is it selfish or absolutely necessary?

As a parent of three and an educator to many, I get it, but not everyone does. Be ready for judgment. Then, toss those judgments aside, and let’s tackle this challenge together. We’ve got this!

Prioritize Yourself!

Just like the airline staff advises parents to secure their oxygen masks before assisting others, the same principle applies here. You can’t effectively care for anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself first. No guilt allowed! Your family should thank you, though they might not because, let’s face it, kids can be a tad selfish. Just saying.

Ideas for Your Kids

✅Family Fun Time: Organize playdates with extended family members.

✅ Grand Getaways: Plan sleepovers with the grandparents.

✅ Auntie Adventures: Facilitate quality time with aunts.

✅ Cousin Capers: Arrange play sessions with cousins.

✅ Theme Park Magic: Invest in season passes with free family invites.

✅ Day Camp Delights: Enroll your kids in day camps for exciting activities.

✅ Parent Partnerships: Swap days with fellow teacherparents.

✅ Sleepover Squad: Form a group of four parents for monthly sleepovers.

Ideas for You

☮ WorkFree Bliss: Unwind and let go of workrelated stress.

☮ Personal Growth: Enroll in a class—whether it’s yoga, art, or music—just for you.

☮ Romantic Escapades: Plan a date night to rekindle the romance.

☮ Adventure Awaits: Inject some excitement with a sexy adventure.

☮ Solo Date Night: Revel in quality time with yourself.

Self-care is not a waste of time. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.

– Jackie Viramontez