Whether you are a single parent or in a relationship you are going to struggle to maintain a beautiful relationship with your partner and children if you don’t know how to truly love yourself.

This doesn’t mean that you become self-centred and narcissistic. It means that you take the time to be the best version of yourself so that you are able to be the best parent and partner for your family. You also can’t blame your partner or your children if you are not feeling the best version of yourself because it is up to you to practice self-love.

So how do you become the best version of yourself?

1. Treat your body as a vessel for love. Your body is the means by which you do all those day-to-day tasks to take care of your family so you need to look after it. Care about what you put into your body, eat intentionally because you not only want to look good, but you also want to feel good. Feed your body nutrient-rich foods, exercise, get enough sleep and rest so love is flowing through your body.
2. Be grateful and aware of all the love that surrounds you. Write a gratitude journal each night before you go to sleep. You can even do this with your child so that they get into the habit of doing it too.
3. Stop comparing yourself to others! We have all done it. We see people on TV, social media, magazines etc who all seem to look way better than we do. We forget the editing and photoshopping that is used to make them look that good. The truth is, we are all individual, unique and beautiful souls who have been placed on this earth to make a positive contribution to humanity. If you haven’t already realised it, as a parent you are making one of the biggest contributions by raising another beautiful soul to walk this planet! Embrace and love the things that make you different.
4. Understand that you don’t have to do the job of a parent by yourself. Create a community around you to help raise your children and don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
5. Find an hour a day that is just for you. Use this time to do something that makes you feel good like exercise, meditation, reading or to learn more about yourself, your thoughts, feelings and passions.
6. Give up on the need for approval from others. I know this is easier said than done. You need to know that there are always going to be haters in this world so do what makes you and your family happy.
7. Learn to say “NO”- If you don’t learn to say “no” it is your family that suffers. Parents often think that they have to be super hero’s to family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours but saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person- it makes you a smart person!
8. Be realistic in your expectations. We are often disappointed when we don’t meet our own expectations or the expectations of others, so we need to assess these expectations and decide if they are realistic. If they are not then adjust and be kind to yourself.
9. Treat others with love and respect. I truly believe that what you give out to the world you will get back. Role model to your children that showing kindness and respect is not hard and yet can make a big difference to others.

NB: This article is an exert from “Parenting Through The Primary Years by Di Wilcox”