Taking care of yourself is key as a parent. Most of us put ourselves last, especially when we’re in the thick of it all. I did just that and it nearly drove me to death. The chronic worry about my children kept me up at night and constantly on edge. I’m not sure how I made it thru that time period of my life and shudder to think of it. I remember driving my kids to all their appointments (doctors, tutors, therapists) and wanting to fall on the ground. Their therapist would recommend I’d seek treatment for my anxiety and I did find some relief, but ultimately I got very sick and have been on a healing journey ever since. I put my children first, and so far it worked out well for them, but I have suffered. It’s only now that they are older, that I’m putting myself first (at times). I signed up for neurofeedback treatment. The same treatment I took my son to years ago to help his ADHD. In my fifties, I’m having memory issues and would like to see if I can rid myself of anxiety, once and for all. I’m hoping it will be brain-changing, life-changing like doing meditation on steroids.
Anyhow, what I’m saying is carve out time for yourself to relax, exercise, breathe, and laugh (with friends), and maybe you’ll avoid chronic illness unlike myself. Forget about any guilty feelings and take care of your health.