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August, 2007
Parent
Support Tip
Hello Parents!
I have enjoyed meeting with several of you as we
have officially begun the monthly Parents Support
Group which meets at the office in Coppell. For
those that have not yet been able to make it, I
encourage you to come and take part in the group.
The goal of the group is to provide a time and place
just for parents to come together, relax, listen and
share, offer support, suggestions, ideas and/or
gather information, support, ideas and strength from
others in the group. We are in our infancy, and I am
excited about the future of the group as it develops
and grows according to the needs and wants of you,
its members.
You are an amazing group of moms, dads and
caretakers, and you are so vitally important to the
little ones you love. Your job is not easy and may
leave you feeling exhausted, frustrated and
impatient by the end of the day (and maybe even
early in the morning!). My suggestion to each of you
is this: Plan and take time out of each day – even
if it is just for 20 or 30 minutes – for yourself –
so that you can be as good to yourself as you are to
your child or children. Perhaps this means taking
time out for some exercise – a simple walk around
the block. Perhaps this means a hot bath with your
favorite music playing or scented candles glowing.
Perhaps this means reading a favorite book or making
a recipe that YOU really enjoy. And, on a monthly
basis, perhaps this means attending a support group
(!!!) In any case, the very acts of choosing and
performing, conscientiously, an action which you
prefer, even for a brief amount of time, can leave
you feeling empowered and rejuvenated. With this,
you should have the extra boost of energy and
motivation you need to better handle the demands of
others around you. Your time and energy are precious
and limited…choose how to use them wisely and don’t
forget to include yourself in the equation!
Penny S. Apollaro, LCSW
Clinical Social Services Director
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