#parentingbalance

There’s been a severe delay in my writing. I haven’t touched this blog in a year or so, and I am finally at a place in my life where my stress levels are normal, and I’m not struggling being a mom, working full time, and trying to work on my book. There have been a few life changing events in my life since I last wrote, so here goes! Firstly, we bought a house! The house is next door to my…

The Ant had discipline. But the Grasshopper had music. And if you ask us? Kids need both.

It’s easy to think of the Grasshopper as “lazy.” But he also represents joy, play, and imagination — things every child should grow up with. In today’s world of busy schedules and academic pressure, kids are often expected to be miniature adults. But SummerFox StoryTime reminds parents of a powerful truth:

🧠 Play is just as essential as work.

Creativity allows children to:

Express emotions

Solve problems

Build confidence

Develop empathy

Stay mentally agile

By embracing both the Ant’s preparation and the Grasshopper’s spirit, you help your child learn balance — the ability to be focused and free, serious and silly.

With our story platform, your child can explore fables that show the value of structure, but also encourage laughter, rhythm, and curiosity. Some lessons aren’t taught — they’re danced, doodled, and dreamed into existence.

🎨 Balance the scales. Give your child stories that encourage both responsibility and imagination.

📲 Try SummerFox StoryTime now

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can take on. Add the pressures of maintaining personal well-being and self-care, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Jade Guerra, a renowned advocate for mindful living and self-care, emphasizes the importance of balancing both your personal life and your responsibilities as a parent. Her strategies provide a thoughtful approach to navigating the complexities of modern parenting while also prioritizing self-care.

The Importance of Balance: Why Parenting and Self-Care Matter

In the hustle of daily life, many parents tend to prioritize their children's needs over their own, leading to burnout and stress. Jade Guerra highlights the essential need for balance in one’s life. Without self-care, a parent’s ability to nurture and guide their children becomes compromised. Mental clarity, physical health, and emotional stability are all vital to being an effective and loving parent.

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It allows parents to replenish their energy, recharge mentally, and connect with themselves beyond the duties of child-rearing. Through mindful practices and small adjustments in daily routines, Jade Guerra’s strategies help parents achieve the delicate equilibrium between family life and personal well-being.

Strategy 1: Create Non-Negotiable “Me-Time”

One of the core strategies recommended by Guerra is carving out daily “me-time,” a period dedicated exclusively to personal well-being. This could be anything from a morning meditation session, a walk in nature, or reading a book—whatever helps you feel rejuvenated. These moments of solitude and self-care are essential for parents who often find themselves giving endlessly to others.

Setting aside time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a vital part of being a healthy and effective parent. By prioritizing this “me-time,” you can return to your role as a parent with a clearer mind and renewed energy. Guerra advocates for small, consistent self-care rituals that contribute to a healthier mental state, making it easier to handle the challenges of parenting.

Strategy 2: Set Realistic Expectations and Let Go of Perfectionism

Many parents, especially those navigating modern expectations, fall into the trap of perfectionism. From social media comparisons to the pressure of being the “perfect” parent, these unrealistic standards can quickly lead to burnout. Jade Guerra’s advice is to release the idea that perfection is attainable. Instead, focus on progress and strive to be the best version of yourself for your family, without the constant burden of trying to do everything perfectly.

Understanding that parenting is a learning experience and that no one has all the answers can alleviate the pressure. Jade Guerra  encourages parents to set achievable goals and to be kinder to themselves when things don’t go according to plan. Perfection doesn’t make you a better parent; balance, compassion, and effort do.

Strategy 3: Involve Your Children in Self-Care Practices

Another strategy that Jade Guerra recommends is involving children in self-care activities. Not only does this encourage a healthy routine, but it also teaches kids the importance of self-care from a young age. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness together, going on a family walk, or engaging in creative activities like drawing or journaling, these shared moments create meaningful connections.

Including children in your self-care practices fosters a nurturing environment that balances both their needs and your own. By modeling healthy habits, you show your children how to prioritize well-being in their own lives, reinforcing the concept that self-care is an essential part of life.

Strategy 4: Delegate and Ask for Help

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself, but Jade Guerra emphasizes the power of delegation and asking for help. Whether it’s asking a partner to step in for a task, hiring a sitter for a few hours, or reaching out to friends or family for support, accepting help is crucial. It allows you to regain control over your time and energy.

Many parents hesitate to ask for help, fearing it will reflect poorly on their ability to parent. However, Jade Guerra reminds us that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s a way to acknowledge that we all need support from others to thrive—both as individuals and as parents.

Strategy 5: Establish Healthy Boundaries

Maintaining healthy boundaries is critical for preserving mental and emotional health. Jade Guerra encourages parents to clearly define their limits, both with their children and others. This might mean saying no to additional responsibilities, setting clear expectations, or allocating time for rest. Healthy boundaries help prevent burnout and ensure that parents can give their best without overextending themselves.

Setting boundaries also applies to digital detox. Reducing screen time—whether it’s social media or work emails—can help restore focus and promote quality time with family. Guerra suggests being intentional about when and how you engage with digital devices to maintain mental clarity and ensure that family moments are prioritized.

Conclusion

Hey everyone! Welcome back to my page. I wanted to talk today about the importance of equal parenting. When I say equal parenting, I am referring to the ability to equally disperse the parenting duties between two parents. I was a singled mother for a long time, about 6 years before my fiancé and I finally were able to find an apartment together. Before then, I was doing everything on my own,…

I cannot express my excitement. I finally published my book! I am so excited that I can barely stand it! It has become such a hassel trying to figure out where to go, who to publish with, what platforms to put it in, ect. But, I finally decided on self-publishing through amazon, and I think it is a perfect way to be able to get my book out there without having to worry about someone else trying…

I’m Going Insane

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This evening, I sit here with my little one, and only my little one, in this big apartment by ourselves. My mother, being the wonderful human being he is, took my two older ones for the weekend, happy to spend time with them and watch them for me while I was at work. My boyfriend is traveling this week for work again, so currently I am on my own, taking care of a sick baby fighting sleep, while…

Some thoughts about positive thinking

I am the first one to sit here and say that I am a negative Nancy when it comes to thinking positive. I am usually the type of person that looks at life like the glass is half empty or half full. And I am also the type of person that doesn’t expect anything but disappointment, because you can’t be disappointed if you don’t get your hopes up. I have always been that way, thinking that life cant…