September 20, 2025

I remember sitting at the dinner table with my children, smiling at their stories, while inside I felt completely drained. I was carrying the weight of grief and exhaustion, and part of me kept wondering, “How do I show up for them when I barely have anything left to give?”   Parenting is one of the most beautiful journeys, yet it’s also very demanding. We are expected to show up both when we are feeling good and when we aren’t.    What happens when we are trying to heal from grief, emotional burnout, or even past trauma? Honestly, it can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult.   Healing shouldn’t be about losing connection with our children, but an opportunity to deepen our bond.   Why Healing Helps You and Your Children We often feel guilty as parents when we take time for ourselves. We don’t want our children to see us tired or sad, so we put up a front. We sometimes worry that focusing on our healing takes something away from our relationship with them. This isn’t true; a healed, emotionally balanced parent creates a safer, healthier environment for children to thrive.    When parents prioritize their well-being, they model resilience and self-love for their children.   Honesty Builds Trust Honest communication fosters trust, which helps children recognize that everyone experiences emotion.    They don’t need all the details, but a simple, gentle explanation that parents need time to rest and recover is essential.   Stay Close Through Small Moments Healing takes time and can sometimes demand more from us, but creating small, intentional moments with our children will go a long way.   Shared meals, bedtime stories, or even hugs can maintain closeness. They are subtle reminders to our children that they matter to us even on our hardest days.    Making Healing a Family Journey Depending on their age, your children can be part of your healing journey. This may involve spending time together, going for walks, journaling, and practicing mindfulness.    Not only does this strengthen your connection, it also equips them with healthy coping tools they can carry into the future.   Embracing Parenting Without Perfection One of the most powerful lessons you can teach your children is that it’s okay to be human. You don’t need to have all the answers. Let them see you vulnerable sometimes; it teaches empathy and shows them that healing is a process, not a destination.   I remember one time my children saw me break down in tears after losing my brother. They hugged me tightly and whispered, “God is taking care of him now.” What a moment that was for me.   That day reminded me: vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a lesson in empathy and imperfection.   Final Thoughts Healing while raising children is never easy. Some days you’ll feel strong, and others you’ll feel like you’re just getting by. But in those imperfect moments, you’re modeling something priceless for your children: resilience, empathy, and love that doesn’t break under pressure.   Connection doesn’t come from being perfect; it comes from being present. Your healing matters, and so does your bond with your children.    With honesty, compassion, and small intentional moments, you can nurture both and deepen your relationship with your children.   If you’re walking through a season of healing, what’s one small way you’ve stayed close to your children?    Share your story in the comments; you never know who might be encouraged by your words.