We know you are busy making sure they are safe, loved, challenged, entertained, cherished, and well fed. But in the midst of all your work, allow your kids to see you play. To see what you loved and enjoy--even if you feel a little selfish doing it! Tell yourself that your kids will do better if they have happy parents, and find a way to fit in the things that bring you the most joy.

I see a lot of parents my age (mid 40's) that didn't prioritize themselves, and they have a lot of regrets. Some feel the loss of themselves and don't know how to get back to the person they are apart from their kids. Some are resentful they didn't get more time away from their kids to pursue their dreams, or didn't get more support from their partner along the way. And some are just rediscovering who they are and what brings them joy, but it takes work and a lot of planning on their part.

My theory is to educate parents to start off continuing to seek the things they love. If you build this into your family, your kids will see that everyone is important, even their parents. And this is good for everyone.