Is Your Child’s Eczema Causing Anxiety, Exhaustion, and Burnout?
In the hectic life of a parent, especially one managing a child’s eczema, embodying a persona of a calm mom can seem impossible. As parents, we’re often overwhelmed, anxious, and burdened with the responsibility of healing our children while maintaining the daily grind of life. Michelle Grosser, a specialist in coaching families to build emotionally regulated homes, offers invaluable insights and strategies to create a peaceful, healing environment for both parents and children.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
The Calm Mom: Michelle Grosser’s Journey
Michelle Grosser, the voice behind the Calm Mom podcast, shares her journey from being a trial attorney to becoming a coach dedicated to helping women regulate their nervous systems. Living in Miami with her husband and two daughters, Michelle’s path took a significant turn during the pandemic when she faced severe burnout. Through this challenging period, she discovered the importance of nervous system regulation, leading to her current work.
“You’re instinctively programmed to prioritize your children’s well-being above all else, ensuring they are safe and not in distress. It’s natural for your nervous system to be on high alert to make this happen.”
-Michelle Grosser on The Eczema Kids Podcast
Recognizing Burnout and Emotional Overload
Many parents, especially those with children suffering from chronic illnesses like eczema, experience symptoms of burnout. Michelle emphasizes that feeling worry, fatigue, and anxiety is a natural response to the stressful circumstances of parenting a chronically ill child. Understanding and acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards finding balance and calm.
Strategies for Everyday Calm
Michelle outlines three foundational strategies to incorporate into daily life, which can significantly improve nervous system regulation and overall well-being.
1. Movement
Incorporating daily movement is crucial for nervous system regulation. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a 10-minute walk can make a difference. Walking, in particular, is beneficial as it activates both hemispheres of the brain and releases dopamine, promoting a sense of well-being.
When my kids were younger and struggling with eczema, we spent a lot of time walking outside to various parks. At the time, I didn’t consciously use it as a healing strategy—beyond knowing that both the kids and I needed fresh air and vitamin D. Looking back, though, those outdoor walks played a crucial role in our healing journey.
2. Moments of Stillness
Finding moments of stillness amidst the chaos is essential. This can be challenging for busy parents, but even a few minutes of quiet reflection can help reset the nervous system. Michelle suggests starting small, such as sitting quietly for 30 seconds before getting out of bed.
My favorite strategy is to remain quiet during the outdoor walks you’ve already planned with your kids. I’m a big fan of stacking routines.
3. Play and Joy
Engaging in activities that bring joy and excitement is vital. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or any other hobby, taking time for oneself helps recharge and bring a sense of fulfillment. This practice is not only beneficial for the individual but also for creating a positive and energetic environment for the family.
I felt immense joy knowing I was doing everything possible to heal my babies. There’s a deep sense of calm and happiness that comes from that dedication.
Creating a Calming and Healing Environment at Home
Michelle provides practical tips for parents to create a calming and healing environment at home, which is crucial for both the child’s recovery and the parent’s well-being.
1. Addressing Emotions
Parents must recognize and address their emotions. Suppressing feelings of anger, sadness, or guilt can lead to increased stress and burnout. Michelle encourages parents to find healthy ways to express and release these emotions, which can expand their capacity to handle stress and create a more resilient nervous system.
2. In-the-Moment Tools
Having in-the-moment tools to manage stress is essential. Techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness practices can help parents stay calm during challenging situations. These tools enable parents to model calm behavior for their children, which is crucial as children often mirror their parent’s emotional state.
3. Establishing Routines
Establishing calming routines can create a sense of security and predictability for both parents and children. Simple practices like consistent bedtime rituals, family walks, and dedicated playtime can help foster a peaceful environment.
Practical Tips for In-the-Moment Regulation
When you’re feeling particularly overwhelmed, here are some strategies to help you find calm:
1. Grounding Techniques
Engage in grounding techniques to bring yourself back to the present moment. This could include deep breathing exercises, focusing on the sensations of your feet on the ground, or holding a comforting object.
2. Sensory Regulation
Use your senses to regulate your nervous system. Listening to calming music, diffusing essential oils, or enjoying a warm cup of tea can all help soothe your system.
3. Connect with Nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Whether it’s a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting outside, connecting with nature can have a calming effect.
How To Become A Calm Mom, Even In the Face Of Eczema
Creating a calm and healing environment for both parents and children is a journey that requires intentionality and effort. By incorporating daily movement, moments of stillness, and joyful activities, parents can significantly improve their emotional regulation and overall well-being. Addressing emotions, establishing routine and as much outdoor time as possible are essential steps towards achieving a balanced and peaceful family life. Michelle Grosser’s insights and strategies offer a blueprint for parents striving to create a nurturing and calm home, even amidst the challenges of parenting a chronically ill child.
However, I don’t view eczema as a chronic illness. You have the power to change your current situation and choose a better reality—one where your child and family are thriving, not just surviving. If you’re looking for more ways to feel like a calm mom and foster a calming, healing environment for your child, check out The Gut Brain Connection, Expert Parenting Tips for Healthy Skin and 5 Simple Habits To Improve Your Child’s Health.
FAQ
What are mirror neurons?
Mirror neurons are brain cells that respond both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. In parenting, this means that children often mirror the emotional states of their parents. Staying calm and regulated can help children feel more secure and emotionally stable. I felt calm when my kids started to heal.
Can you share some practical in-the-moment tools to handle acute stress or anxiety?
Deep Breathing: Practice deep, slow breathing to calm your mind and body.
Grounding Techniques: Use grounding techniques like focusing on your senses or holding a comforting object to stay present.
Movement: Engage in a quick physical activity, like stretching or a short walk, to release pent-up energy.
These are easy, fast and doable for you as an overwhelmed parent. None of these need to take a lot of time! If you need help with your healing routine so you have time for all the things, I’ve got you covered.
