A happier adult is a better mother or father

Every day I manage to take one hour of metime, whether it is meditation, jogging, yoga or just taking in some quiet and peace. I manage to take that one hour of peace and you need that to recharge your energy. To be a better parent you have to take care of yourself before you take care of others and parenting is highly demanding both on an emotional and physical basis. You have to realise that you are taking care of this beautiful individual, so to be there and be in the moment you have to be that amazing parent and to be able to give the necessary emotional support, love and care.

You wake up and life throws these challenges at you and no matter how much you want to manage your time and schedule, things come up. You could have a situation at work that requires more of your time or maybe a water leak at home. Life is unpredictable, I guess that’s the beauty of it. But no matter what comes your way, if you have missed that moment on a particular day, make up for it the next day. You have to have that half an hour or one hour to zone out for a bit and focus on you.

It is normal for us to take time off and enjoying that moment of sanity is so important because it helps you recharge not just to be a parent but a better self. With being a working mum, wife, sister and friend there is so much already on your table. As human beings we have to disconnect.

I recently read a wonderful quote: “You can’t pour out of an empty cup”. You get so busy with day-to-day life that you tend to neglect yourself. Sure, we do it out of love – you love your family and your work, but you need to first love yourself.

The key to success is balance and I know finding balance is almost impossible but we strive for.

When you are happy then you can reflect that happiness on your child. You are a lot more relaxed and a lot more patient and parenting requires a lot of patience.

Otherwise, you are so exhausted by the end of the day. Taking time out helps you centre yourself and allows you to be a better parent in the days to come. it is what

From Jumana Al Darwish Entrepreneur and mother of a five-year-old girl