Parenting is like climbing a mountain of marshmallows—sweet, but oh-so-tiring! Between the school shuffle, snack attacks, midnight wake-up calls, and managing the emotional rollercoaster of tiny humans (and lets face it, ourselves), self-care can easily slide off the radar.
Life's can be an uphill battle! Having a physical disability, I'm practically required to indulge in massages and baths to function, but who on earth has the time for that? Recently, I decided it's high time I make "me-time" a priority so I can be the superhero my family deserves and enjoy life instead of just "pushing through". I've committed to treating myself to one thing a day, whether it's a grand gesture (like a much-needed nap) or a small victory (like staying put at the dinner table despite my kid's latest demand). I have to admit, it is challenging, but taking time out for my wellbeing has improved my attitude, relationships, health and self confidence.
Welcome to the world of flamingo wisdom—a splashy reminder that self-care isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
The Flamingo Analogy:
Did you know flamingos are fabulously pink because of their diet? The carotenoids in algae and shrimp keep them vibrant. But when they’re stressed or malnourished, they fade to a blah gray. Translation: a flamingo needs good grub and self-care to strut its pink stuff.
Parents, you’re the flamingos.
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When we pour every drop of energy into our kids, our homes, and our to-do lists without a pit stop for ourselves, we start losing our pink. We become tired, frazzled, snappy, and forget what makes us tick.
Why Self-Care Isn't a Luxury
Guilt alert! Many parents feel bad about taking time for themselves. But here’s the deal: you can’t be Super Parent if your cape is in tatters.
Self-care isn’t just about spa days or tropical escapes (though, yes, please!). It can be as simple as:
Sipping a quiet coffee before the chaos begins
Strolling in the sunshine
Saying "no" when it’s all too much
Diving into a good book
Chatting with a friend
These little gifts to yourself help keep your emotional and mental tank full.
Being a Self-Care Superstar for Your Kids
One of the best presents to unwrap for your kids is showing them a parent who takes care of themselves. When they see you honoring your needs, they learn to value theirs, too. They get that rest, boundaries, and joy are important.
Just like a flamingo needs its nutrients to stay pink, parents need self-care to stay strong, vibrant, and present.
Inspired by this wisdom, I finally took the plunge I'd been dreaming about for almost five years... I got my hair done at a place that didn't have a bargain bin price tag and added some pink highlights as a fabulous reminder that it's perfectly fine to treat myself just because I need some of my pink back!
 Before |  After |
So today, give yourself the green light to do a little self-care, whatever that looks like for you—bring back your color, your calm, your joy. Because when you’re rocking that full flamingo pink, your whole family feels the glow.
