How Self-Love Helps You Be a Better Partner & Parent

This year, on our blog, we are focusing heavily on Self-Love from February (the month of love 🩷). Yes, you can buy yourself flowers! Self-love is NOT selfish, in fact it is essential. When you nurture yourself, you show others how to treat you. You also have more patience, energy, and emotional resilience to give to your loved ones.

As parents and partners, we often pour all our energy into caring for others – packing lunches, managing schedules, lending a listening ear, and making sure that everyone else feels loved and supported but we often forget that we too need some care and time. Answer this question – When was the last time you showed yourself that same kindness?

How embracing self-love can make you a better parent and partner:

1. You Model Healthy Relationships for your Children

Children learn the most by watching us. If they see you treating yourself with kindness, respecting your own needs, and setting boundaries; they’ll learn to do the same.

2. You have more Patience and Emotional Resilience

When you neglect your own needs, frustration and burnout build up quickly. Suddenly small things, like a toddler’s tantrum or a partner forgetting to take out the dirt, can feel unbearable.

3. You Teach your Family the Importance of Boundaries

Self-love means recognising your limits and setting boundaries to protect your peace. Whether it is taking a break when needed, saying no to overcommitment, or ensuring you have personal time, boundaries help prevent resentment and exhaustion. When your family sees you maintaining healthy limits, they learn that self-respect is a natural part of love.

4. You Bring more Joy into your Home

A fulfilled, happy parent or partner radiates warmth and joy. When you invest in yourself, you bring positive energy into your family life. You are more present, more fun, and more engaged.

5 Tips to help you increase Self-love!

1. The next time you feel overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself if you would talk to your child in the same way. If the answer is no, start being more compassionate with yourself!
2. Incorporate a simple self-care routine into your day. Even if it’s just for 5 minutes, small moments of self-love add up.
3. Start a gratitude practice. Each night, list 3 things you appreciate about yourself.
4. Practice saying, “I need a few minutes for myself right now, but I’d love to help you when I’m ready.” This helps set clear, loving boundaries while also ensuring your needs are met.
5. Schedule time just for you. A walk, a hobby, a night out with friends – whatever brings you joy. Your happiness enriches your entire family life.

“Accept yourself. Love yourself as you are. Your finest work, your best movements, your joy, peace, and healing comes when you love yourself. You give a great gift to the world when you do that. You give others permission to do the same: to love themselves. Revel in self-love. Roll in it. Bask in it as you would sunshine.”

– Melody Beattie

How do you practice self-love? Tell us in the comments below!