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As a parent, it's easy to forget yourself.
We're quick to sacrifice what we want to make the children happy.
But I am here to say that you must find a way that everyone gets what they want at the end of the day.
You're human too, and yes, responsible for teaching your family that they matter because you matter!
Read: 'I feel like a zombie': Mom shares the beautiful and messy truth about breastfeeding
A silly example would be if your children want an ice-cream cone covered in biscuits and all you want is a nice cup of tea at home.
Why not go to your local store, buy a tub of ice cream and a box of biscuits, and have fun making it at home?
Enjoying the ice cream they made themselves creates a feeling of achievement.
It's also a teaching moment about budgeting – paying less and getting more. Children respond well when you give them the power to make their own decision, and when it benefits others, they feel even more empowered.
And you can get some quiet time with a good cup of tea and biscuits. Win-win.
'I need quiet time'
There are a few scenarios where a little compromise can go a long way; however, good communication is indispensable.
It is crucial to be vocal about it if you need some alone time after a long day or just need some space.
The amount of detail will be up to you, and it will also depend on your children's age and level of comprehension but tell your children that you have had a tough day at work and you need a little quiet time to shake it off so that you can be the best parent you can be for them.
Whether it be closing the door and putting up an "I need quiet time" sign or stopping off at the shop before getting home to have a bar of chocolate and listen to some music, that's okay too.
Must read: When does 'mommy wine time' become a dangerous problem?
Putting on a happy face
Not only are you doing what's best for you, but you are creating awareness for mental health at home; most importantly, you are teaching your children that sometimes not being okay is perfectly okay.
Have everyone develop this practice that feelings must be acknowledged and dealt with in a non-judgemental space.
Putting on a happy face can sometimes be detrimental.
We are all human beings trying to survive in this world. If little eyes are watching us, we need to be who we are, more than ever, so they can be who they are meant to be.
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