There’s a quiet myth floating around in parenting circles — that good parents give everything to their children.
Their time. Their energy. Their attention.
Their patience, their creativity, their last bite of toast.
And while love often does look like self-sacrifice, we’ve learned something vital on this journey — especially as a family raising a neurodivergent child:
Running on empty helps no one.
Giving Your Best ≠ Giving It All
We often push ourselves past the point of exhaustion, thinking we’re doing the “right” thing. But what our kids really need isn’t a version of us that’s always available — it’s a version of us that’s present, regulated, and human.
They don’t need perfection.
They need us to be okay.
Because the truth is: when we’re burnt out, stretched thin, and disconnected from ourselves, we start to show up as shadows — not anchors.
What Happens When We’re Running on Empty?
- We snap faster.
- We stop enjoying the little moments.
- We feel resentful, guilty, or both.
- We forget who we are beyond the role of parent, partner, planner, or problem-solver.
And maybe most painfully, we start to feel alone, even in a house full of love.
That’s why self-care isn’t just a luxury — it’s a lifeline.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish. It’s Strategic.
For us at FluffyGlowfish, self-care has been a game-changer. And not in the fluffy, spa-day kind of way (though, yes please!). We're talking about the real, sometimes messy kind:
- Asking for help.
- Saying “no” without guilt.
- Drinking water and actually finishing a cup of coffee while it’s still warm.
- Saying, “I need five minutes alone,” and trusting the world won’t fall apart.
- Letting go of the pressure to do it all — and doing what matters instead.
The more we take care of ourselves, the more we can:
- Respond with patience instead of frustration.
- Find joy in the routine.
- Be present in moments that matter.
- Model emotional regulation and boundaries for our children.
Fill Your Cup, Fill Your Home with Warmth
Imagine what your home could feel like if everyone — including you — was allowed to pause. To breathe. To matter.
Your self-care isn’t separate from your parenting.
It is part of your parenting.
It teaches your kids that balance is healthy, boundaries are loving, and their future doesn’t need to be fueled by burnout to be worthy.
You Are Not Just a Parent — You Are a Person
Yes, your child is your whole world.
But don’t forget — you’re theirs, too.
They love your laugh.
They notice when your shoulders relax.
They feel safe when you feel grounded.
So take the bath. Read the book. Step outside.
Ask for space. Reclaim a moment.
Not because you’ve earned it — but because you deserve it.
Your cup matters. Fill it often.
Kindest Regards
Samantha Joubert