# MHApps Family Parents – Parenting Partner Support – Advice For Coping As A Parent

Parents

- Parents and Partners
- Parenting Supports
- Being a parent is challenging! It can become more challenging if you or your partner is experiencing mental health worries.
  In order for your children to thrive and be as well as they possibly can, they need their parent to take care of themselves too.
  The most important thing you can do while parenting with a mental health issue is to look after yourself.
  It may be helpful for you to talk to your Doctor or other person on your team about how the illness or medication can impact on the job of being a parent.
  If your partner has a mental health difficulty, it is also really important to look after yourself.
  It is important for you to take some time out just for you each week. Pick something you enjoy doing like going for a walk, listening to music or a sporting activity.
  Sleep, physical activity and eating healthy foods are important for the whole family, not just the kids.
  Try to identify your strengths as a parent, a spouse and as a whole family. Building on these strengths can enhance your coping skills.
  If you are parenting alone, it can help to talk things through with other family members, friends or community support services.

Parents