While steady self-care does take effort, there is one ready–made power source from which to draw strength and prevent burnout: a parent’s love.

Smile more

A very simple, yet extremely effective habit to start: smile every time your child walks into the room, says writer and mother of five Julia Johnson Attaway. “The look of surprise on a troubled child’s face when he is greeted with joy instead of concern is a startling reminder of the importance of the need to express our affection in words and affect,” she says.

Humor helps everyone

It’s very important to cull fun times from past and insert into the present. This enables everyone in the family to remember that good times really do happen, writes Johnson Attaway. So, during the next family dinner, recall some humorous memories, grade school antics, even some embarrassing foibles of your own. It will lift spirits around the table.

It’s not personal

It’s true that kids who are depressed and impulsive will say and do hurtful things and parents are often the nearest target. Remember it’s more about their pain. When this behavior strikes, here’s some sage advice from Johnson Attaway: take some deep breaths and repeat silently to yourself, “My Love is deeper than your pain,” and respond to your child as calmly as you can.”

Gather the good

Sometimes it’s easier to take pen to paper and list all the good qualities of your son or daughter, even if you haven’t seen those core strengths in a while. Share your child’s good qualities with others—the rest of the family, your friends and then most definitely with your child. Additionally, take the time each day to write down one positive thing you’ve observed about your child…and then let him know.

source: childmind.org

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