Why self care comes first?
Are you afraid that spending time on your hobbies or interests will take away from your time with your family?
A post shared by Ashok Tankala | Leadership and Executive Coach | Ex-CTO (@ashoktankala)
I hear from a lot of parents and colleagues that if they spend time for themselves like learning some new activity or exercise or working on their hobby means they are not giving time to their kids & family.
I disagree with it. I am not saying don’t spend time with your family. Let me explain.
If a parent is alcoholic there is a high chance his/her children become alcoholic. The same applies to obesity and many other things.
The opposite is also true. If a parent is an athlete there is a high chance his/her children become an athlete. If a parent does business there is a high chance his/her children do too.
Likewise, if you are not taking care of yourself or learning new things then what do you think your children will do when they grow up? What kind of example are you setting?
Coming back to spending time with your kids & family. The number of hours you spend doesn’t make you a great parent or doesn’t lead to an amazing kid.
Quality matters, not Quantity. If you spend 3 hours of time with them but at that time you are on the phone or thinking something else then that time means nothing to your kids & family.
Instead of that spend 1 hour but give your full attention. Hear their stories and struggles and play with them. They love it.
Take care of yourself, it doesn't mean you are ignoring your kids & family. It means you are becoming a role model to them, especially to your kids
What do you think it means to be a good role model for your children/family?