The Power of Modeling Self-Care for our Children

As a mom of four, in the past I’ve caught myself saying, “I don’t have time for self-care.”

It’s an all-too-common narrative in our busy lives. We juggle so much—work, family, community, and household responsibilities—that self-care can seem like a luxury we can’t afford. But something profound shifted in me when I started asking, “What am I teaching my children about self-care?”

Picture your child, 20 or 30 years from now. They’re grown up, navigating the complexities of adulthood—balancing work, family, and their own dreams.

What do you hope for them?

Surely, like any parent, you wish for their success, fulfillment, and happiness. But does your heart also hope they prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health? Do you want them to make space for themselves, despite the hustle and demands of life?

If the answer is yes—and I believe for most of us, it is—then the next question becomes, How will they learn to do this?

The answer lies in what we model for them. Children learn not just from what we say but from what we do.

Our actions become the script for their inner dialogue, shaping how they approach their own lives. If I constantly put myself last, my children may grow up believing that self-care is unimportant or that taking time for themselves is selfish.

But when I make the intentional choice to care for myself—whether it’s through exercise, journaling, quiet reflection, or a nourishing meal—I’m showing them that they are worthy of that same care.

This realization changed everything for me. I shifted my narrative from “I don’t have time for self-care” to “When I prioritize my self-care, my children learn that they are worthy of it too.”

It’s no longer about squeezing in self-care as a desperate act of survival. It’s about teaching my children, through my actions, that caring for oneself is an essential part of life. It’s about showing them that their well-being matters.

You are worthy of the time it takes to consistently show up for yourself.

And just as you are, so too are your children. Let them see you value your health, your peace, your happiness. Because someday, they’ll be faced with the same decision—whether to prioritize their own well-being or let it slip to the bottom of their to-do list. And when that moment comes, they’ll have your example to guide them.

If you want to take that first step in coming home to yourself- prioritising your body, mind and spirit- try the GOLDENTIME Journal. This journal contains prompts designed to realign you with practical priorities, health goals and inner work.