It goes without saying that if you’re a mother or a father – the wellbeing and safety of your family is going to be your top priority.
Sometimes, we don’t think about the things that could harm our kids or ourselves, though. We go crazy when we talk about subjects like road safety and of course, the dangers of talking to strangers – but we don’t mention healthy eating, healthy living, sleeping habits or exercise that often. In fact, we could probably all do with a few more pointers on exercising well!
There’s a lot of aspects to family care, and sometimes the most serious issues like dietary habits or even mental wellbeing will be on your mind. You have to think about these, though – it’s time to start looking out for not only your family, but yourself – so you can be in a position to care for everyone!
First off – mental wellbeing can easily be swept under the carpet and that goes for your partner and kids as much as it does for you. We’re embarrassed to say we don’t feel right, we’re anxious, that we are struggling and scared. These can all be symptoms of mental illness, and that is nothing to be embarrassed about at all. Social stigmas against mental issues are eroding away, and it’s about time. It’s these stigmas that have made issues like depression, which can be as debilitating and harmful as physical issues like broken bones, almost unrecognizable. If we’re ill, we go to the doctors to get medicated and treated, but that doesn’t seem to apply to mental problems. That needs to change. Cultivate an honest and open environment where talking about ‘taboo’ subjects such as isolation, depression, anxiety and loneliness is ok! Mental illness is normal and talking helps – so if you or a family member are suffering, ensure that the support is there and treatment is available. Sometimes it might just take talking, hugs and a nice warm cup of hot chocolate. In other cases, it might require serious treatment, like TMS.
More obvious issues focus on physical health. It’s important that children and well, everybody, eats good food and moves about a bit. It’s also key that when issues do arise – doctors and professionals are consulted. Natural remedies are all well and good, but doctors exist for a reason! Encourage good eating habits and cook simple, healthy meals in the home to follow through on this. While no ten year old should have a full gym membership, encouraging your kids to partake in sports and outdoor activities is fun and can inspire a lifetime of healthy habits! It’s important to also take control and educate the family on the dangers of both alcohol and drug abuse. This is serious business and people, especially youngsters can be lead by the crowd.
Some issues in terms of looking out for you and your family can be based in the legal world. From troublemaking teens getting up to no good, to some really serious issues. What if you are dismissed from work unfairly? What if you partner has an accident at work? What if your child’s employer doesn’t take their illness seriously? Looking out for your family does involves these issues and educating them on their rights is key. Getting them the right help, from people like the Roth Firm is also ideal. Sometimes you need to fight hard for justice, but if you’ve been as good a parent as we know you’ve been, there are those who will still treat you and your family unfairly – like businesses and employers. Know your rights, educate your family and seek legal counsel when you need it.
A good way of looking out for the family is to know what everyone wants and do your best to help them achieve it. Does your partner want a family holiday? Save up for it! Does Kid A want to be a doctor while Kid B wants to be a train driver? Help them find the paths that will get them into the roles they desire. A constant focus on improvement and education is healthy, but don’t go overboard – studying and pressure can seriously take it’s toll – refer to the earlier discussion about mental wellbeing. If you’re running the family, you’ve got what it takes to give your family members the best shot at achieving their dreams, so believe in them a little bit and help them out.
There are more ways than one to look out for your family and in multiple differing areas. Keep them healthy, helped out and strong and you’ll have a long and happy family life!
