To be the best parent we can be we need to be conscious of our own energy levels.   I know myself that if I don’t get some time alone to play a video game, read a comic or just having a nap it becomes very difficult for me to parent positively.

I remember one week I really stretched myself and ended up doing extra on the weekend. Without any ‘me’ time I was like a zombie. I had no energy to do anything, and as a result my parenting reflected that lack of energy. I became grouchy, withdrawn and sergeant major. At one point I just sat on the couch trying to find a place to be by myself. My daughter found me and leaned into me. She grabbed my arm and put it over herself and snuggled into me. I looked at her and said “I’m sorry Daddy is grumpy.” I now know how important it is to monitor my own energy levels because it affects everyone around me especially my kids.

Mauri Ora