Filling Your Bucket Will Help You Fill Your Child’s Bucket

As parents, we frequently neglect ourselves and focus the majority of our energy on our families. Yet, our children often recognize and respond to the anxiety we convey when we become overwhelmed and exhausted. “Filling your bucket” is a phrase that’s used to describe the process of taking time for things that help you feel happy, relaxed, appreciated, and content. When your bucket is filled, it’s far easier to find the physical and emotional energy to fill your family members’ buckets. Here are some ideas about how you can fill your own bucket as you continue to focus on your family’s well being.Take time for yourself. At least once a month, take a day (or even just a few hours) to do something special by yourself. It could be as simple as getting a manicure and pedicure, or heading out to your favorite barbershop kid-free. “Alone time” gives you a chance to reflect on the positive areas of your life as well as areas that could use some improvement.Have a girls or guys night out. Have you been wanting guy or girl time to watch that NFL game or the new chick flick in theatres without the usual sticky fingers and whining? Make it happen! Connecting with other adults provides much needed kid-free time as well as a great support system.Take your vitamins.  Although sticking to a healthy supplement regimen can be a great way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs, there are many routes to building up your immune system. Sneak leafy greens into your recipes for a vitamin A, C, or K boost. Rather than sitting indoors, help your kids with homework out in the sun to add a bit of vitamin D. By building up your immune system, you will be better able to fight off the bugs that children bring through the door.Join a group. Having a family doesn’t mean you need to give up favorite hobbies or forgo trying new ones. Making time to gather with like-minded adults, even if it’s just once a month, is a great way to keep learning and growing. Look to community boards, religious organizations, or websites like www.meetup.com to find groups that meet your interests.Add a bit more shut-eye. Young children are notoriously early risers, but that doesn’t always mean you need to match their wake-up time. Consider whether your kids can begin their morning routine independently to give you an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Make sure there’s juice or milk that they can easily pour themselves. Lay out a coloring/activity book and crayons, new library books, or a sensory play-box the night before to provide a quiet, screen-free activity ready to go. A little extra sleep can go a long way to boost your mood and immune system.The key to any bucket-filling activity is consistency. Whether you focus on filling your bucket once a day, once a week, or once a month, you will be adding positivity and contentment for everyone in your family.