Parent/Caregiver Support and Self-Care

Taking care of yourself helps you be a better parent

Looking after your own body and mind helps you handle stress and makes it easier to care for your child. Even small things like taking a deep breath, doing something you enjoy, or stepping away for a moment when you feel overwhelmed can help you stay calm and present with your child.

It’s important to make time for self-care when you can. Remember that your child watches what you do. When you take care of yourself, you’re more likely to stay calm, meet your child’s needs, and show healthy behaviours they can learn from.

Take care of yourself and protect your mental health

Stay active and try to move your body (external link) every day.
Eat healthy foods (external link), especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (external link).
Get enough rest and sleep.
Limit alcohol and drug use.
Try relaxing activities like deep breathing, mindfulness, music, or yoga.
Spend time with friends and family who support you.
Ask someone you trust to watch your child so you can take a break, like reading, taking a bath, or going for a walk.
Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say "no" when you need to.
Set realistic goals for yourself, your child, and your partner.
Learn and practice positive ways to prevent and handle your child’s challenging behaviour.
Find quality childcare, because knowing that your child is safe helps you focus on other things you need to do.

Know that it is okay not to be a perfect parent/caregiver! It is extra important to care for yourself when you have a new baby (external link). Eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can help keep you and your growing baby healthy.

Stress is a normal part of parenting

Parenting/caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. Having a close relationship with your child can help you feel good about yourself and remind you that what you do is important. It can also boost your mental health and well-being. At the same time, things like managing the family budget, trying to balance work and family, or dealing with your child’s challenging behaviour can make you feel stressed and may affect your mental health.

Sometimes, stress from parenting/caregiving can feel like too much.

When to get help

You might need extra help if you notice signs like:

feeling sad all the time
big changes in how you eat and sleep
not enjoying things you used to
feeling angry, annoyed, or upset a lot
feeling guilty, lonely, or confused
worrying a lot
avoiding family and friends
thinking about hurting yourself or your child

If you are feeling this way, and showing signs of depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after birth, talk to your partner, your healthcare provider, or call 311 to speak with a public health nurse. Let them know how you are feeling.

If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call or text 988: Suicide Crisis Helpline (external link) or reach out to another crisis help line like Distress Centre Halton (external link) right away.

Finding support

The way we care for and guide our children has a big impact on how they feel and act. Being a parent/caregiver can be hard, and it’s normal to have questions and feel stressed sometimes.

Every family can use a little help while raising kids. Each family’s needs are different and can even change over time. What works for your family today might look different next month or next year. Sometimes you may just need a kind word and tips from people you trust. At other times, your family might need more help from community programs and services.

Focus on your family needs right now and try not to compare yourself to other parents or families.

Families do better when they feel safe, supported, and part of a caring community.

Halton Region Public Health’s free parenting programs and supports provide helpful information and welcoming spaces for parents/caregivers and kids to connect and grow. You can get effective tools to feel more confident, learn more skills, and build a strong connection with your child while meeting and learning with other families!

You can also call 311 or email haltonParents@halton.ca to connect with a public health nurse Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.