دليل للعناية الذاتية للآباء ومقدمي الرعاية للأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة

For parents and caregivers of young children, this time of year can feel especially challenging and self-care might not be on the agenda. Cold, snowy days often mean more time indoors. Balancing work, daily responsibilities and caring for a busy preschooler can quickly become overwhelming.

When you take care of yourself, it becomes easier to care for your child with patience, presence and grace. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to self-care for parents and caregivers of preschoolers to help you feel more balanced, supported and in control – this season and beyond.

Self-Care Tip 1: Be Flexible and Plan Ahead

Young kids thrive on routine – and caregivers do, too, especially when there’s room for flexibility. Giving yourself grace with household tasks, errands and daily expectations can help you feel more balanced and less rushed. Planning ahead for your day or week – and inviting your family to be part of that planning – can make routines feel more manageable and shared.

Simple steps like packing lunches and snacks or choosing outfits the night before school can ease the morning rush. Preparing meals at the start of the week can also be a big help on busy days, especially when you’re short on time or have a hungry preschooler at home. Explore easy breakfast ideas like fun fruit smoothies and colorful breakfast bowls and healthy snacks for kids that help save time in the kitchen and keep messes to a minimum. 

You can save even more time (and energy!) with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot hacks for families to help create a weekly meal plan or simple daily schedule for your preschooler. These tools can support busy families by taking some of the planning off your plate, helping you tackle everyday challenges without burning out.

Self-Care Tip 2: Make Time for Movement – Together

Life with a preschooler already involves plenty of movement, but carving out intentional movement for yourself can make a big difference. Even short bursts – just 10-15 minutes at a time – can help boost your mood, increase energy and support well-being.

Try turning movement into a shared activity with your child. Host a dance party in the living room, bundle up for a snowy nature walk, challenge each other to a jumping-jack contest or play an indoor game of tag. Not only can movement help you feel better, but it also encourages your preschooler to stay active, supporting healthy bodies and happy minds. Discover more fun indoor activities to keep you and your child moving when getting outside isn’t possible.

Self-Care Tip 3: Take a Break from Screens and Reconnect

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when so much of our time is spent online. Constant news updates and scrolling can add stress and anxiety, especially during busy seasons of family life. While social media can help stay connected, stepping away from screens now and then can support your mental well-being and help you recharge.

If you’re craving connection, consider spending time together offline. Denver offers many family-friendly opportunities to connect in person, from daily storytimes at the Denver Public Library to family activities and events listed on Kids Out and About Denver. Explore local festivals, markets and street fairs – simple ways to get out of the house, build community, and feel supported.

Self-Care Tip 4: Build in Simple Moments of Self-Care

You don’t need a day at the spa – or a big budget – to enjoy a little well-deserved pampering. Simple at-home moments can go a long way. Light a candle, add bath salts to a warm bath and unwind with calming music or a favorite show once the day slows down.

You can also treat yourself to a cozy movie night or a few quiet chapters of a good book. If you have a Denver Public Library card, you can explore books, music and movies for free – and even check out museum passes for a low-cost outing either solo or with the family. These passes offer access to some of Denver’s favorite attractions, including the Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens and Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, making it easier to enjoy a refreshing break close to home.

Taking time to pause, recharge and be present helps you show up as the best caregiver you can be – and models for your family how caring for your mind and body supports your well-being. 

Self-Care Tip 5: Plan for Days or Nights Off

Just like physical exercise requires rest days to recover, most people need a day (or night) off from parenting once in a while. If possible, have your partner, a friend or a family member, or hire a sitter to handle the nighttime routine while you either unplug at home or enjoy a night out with friends. If budget is an issue, offer to “trade” nights off with a partner or friend. Or, if a night or day off from parenting isn’t possible, consider how to weave in mental health breaks to your daily routine. Studies show that when parents take care of their mental health and take physical and emotional “breaks” from parenting, they have less stress, resentment and burn out. 

Self-Care Tip 6: Pivot and Focus on Connection, Not Plans

Even with the best intentions and planning, sometimes parents and caregivers need to pivot. Don’t be afraid to walk away from plans or your expectations about how you had hoped the day or night would go. Cuddling on the couch with your little one can often lighten the mood and create a positive connection. If life becomes too much, opt for the “easy button” and spend quality time with your preschooler: make it a movie night, listen to a new podcast (check out our “Best Podcasts for Preschoolers,” order takeout or throw in frozen pizza in the oven instead of making a gourmet meal. No parent or caregiver has all the answers or does everything perfectly all the time. Giving yourself grace and improvising are vital elements to self-care for any parent or caregiver of a preschool child. 

Keep Current with Resources for Parents

We are here to support your family, too. From helping families save on preschool tuition to sharing trusted resources and local events, we aim to make the early years a little easier. Learn more about our preschool tuition assistance و sign up for our bilingual monthly newsletter for helpful tips, resources and family-friendly events throughout the year.