Soul-Care for Parents - Tend to Your Soul

Nourish and Nurture: Soul-Care for Parents

Parenting is a very rewarding, but often incredibly demanding journey. The juggling of to-do lists, emotional labour, and spiritual guidance required can leave even the most devoted parents feeling burnt out. As Christian parents, we are called to pour into our families, but we cannot pour from an empty cup. To parent well, we must prioritise our spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

In this post, we will compare self-care and soul-care for parents, explore ways to address burnout, nourish and nurture your soul, and create a spiritually and emotionally safe home for your children. It's all connected.

Self-Care and Soul-Care

In 3 John 1:2, The Apostle John prayed:

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

The word "soul" in this verse is the Greek word psyche (ψυχή), and refers to the eternal inner part of a person. It encompasses emotions, desires and will. The Apostle John prays that the recipient would experience wellness in every way and be in good health, just as he experiences wellness of soul. This highlights the biblical principle that our external well-being is connected to our internal or soul health.

This verse can encourage us to think about soul-care as well as self-care. Self-care involves tending to our physical, mental, and emotional health. It includes activities and habits that help us recharge and maintain balance, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising, managing stress, and finding moments of rest. Soul-care, on the other hand, focuses on the health of our inner being. It is concerned with our spiritual life, emotions, and relationship with God. It involves activities that nourish our connection with God and nurture growth along God's path. Soul care goes deeper than self-care as it addresses the eternal and spiritual aspects of who we are, not just the temporal.

There is a lot of overlap with these terms but thinking about soul-care can help us remember that just as our bodies need to be nourished and nurtured to thrive, our inner selves must also be well tended to flourish.

The term "go/goes well" means to have a good, prosperous or successful journey either literally along a road or as a metaphor related to a course of action or an issue at hand. It is useful to remember caring for ourselves is a journey.

Nourish and Nurture

Nourishing and nurturing are two interconnected methods for caring for the whole person. Nourishing focuses on providing the resources needed for growth and health by feeding soul, mind, and body, while nurturing involves cultivating and protecting what is growing in size or maturity, allowing us to thrive. Both are essential for well-being and balanced parenting.

Parents who often make unhealthy food choices for themselves will not consistently make healthy food choices for their children. Parents who are not intentional about developing a personal relationship with God will not effectively pass on this vital practice to their children.

Thankfully, the converse is also true. Whatever aspects of our well-being we tend to, we will eventually tend to in our children.

Addressing Burnout: The Need for Soul-Care

Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. Burnout is a reality for many parents. When overwhelmed and exhausted, it can be difficult to parent with patience, grace, and joy. Caring for ourselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity. For Christian parents, this care goes beyond bubble baths or a quiet cup of tea (though those are wonderful too!). Soul-care involves tending to our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. When we are intentional about the well-being of our souls we can better serve our families.

Practical Steps to Combat Burnout:

Burnout does not happen overnight; it is often the result of prolonged stress, overwork, and unmet emotional or spiritual needs. Recognising it early is key to addressing it effectively.

Here are some practical steps to combat burnout:

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to unnecessary commitments, recognising that your time and energy are finite resources.

• Prioritise Rest: Follow God’s example and make rest a part of your rhythm. Sabbath rest not only honours God but also replenishes your strength.

• Ask for Help: Lean on your spouse, family, church community, or friends when you need support. God places us in communities to share each other’s burdens.

• Engage in Activities that Recharge You: Whether reading, journaling, or walking in nature, make time for things that bring you peace. Recharging your mind and body helps you parent from a place of abundance.

Remember, rest is part of our salvation. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said,

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Why You Might Struggle with Soul-Care

There can be many reasons people neglect to nourish and nurture their body or soul.

1. Misunderstanding the Purpose of Care

Some Christians may view self-care or soul care as selfish or indulgent, believing that prioritising themselves contradicts the biblical call to selflessness. They might feel guilty for taking time to rest or recharge, thinking it detracts from serving others. However, caring for oneself is an act of stewardship. If we neglect our well-being, we may not be able to care effectively for those God has entrusted to us. Jesus modelled the importance of rest and communion with the Father, even in the midst of ministry.

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

2. Cultural Pressures and Busyness

Modern culture often glorifies productivity, busyness, and the hustle mentality, leaving little room for intentional care. Parents, in particular, may feel they have no time for themselves amidst the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities. The truth is, constant busyness without rest can lead to burnout and diminish your capacity to live fully. Rest is a God-ordained rhythm of life.

“It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)

3. Over-Reliance on Self

Many people—Christians included—feel the pressure to do everything on their own. They may neglect soul care because they underestimate their need for God’s strength, choosing instead to rely on their own abilities and energy. God invites us to depend on Him for renewal and guidance. Soul care deepens this relationship and restores spiritual vitality.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

4. Lack of Awareness

Some may not recognise the signs of neglecting self-care or soul care until they reach a breaking point. They might not see the connection between their well-being and their ability to fulfil their roles effectively. Prevention is better than cure. Giving regular attention to your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs can prevent long-term struggles.

5. Fear of Vulnerability

Soul care often involves confronting difficult emotions, past hurts, or spiritual struggles. This level of introspection can feel uncomfortable, leading some to avoid it altogether. But, true healing and renewal come from facing these challenges with God’s help. He invites us to bring our burdens to Him.

“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

6. Prioritising Others to the Point of Neglecting Self

Parents often focus on their children and other dependents to the detriment of their well-being. While a sacrificial attitude can be admirable, prolonged neglect of self-care and soul care can lead to exhaustion and resentment. A mother bird will feed herself first to have the strength and energy to nourish and nurture her chicks. Similarly, we must care for ourselves to care effectively for our families You can love others best when you are healthy and whole. God calls us to care for others and ourselves.

“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

This command implies that loving oneself—properly and healthily—is necessary to love others well.

Caring for your soul and body is not selfish; it’s essential. It honours God, equips you to serve, and models to your family and community the importance of balance and reliance on Him.

Ways to Tend to Your Soul

Nourishing your soul through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship is vital for your spiritual health and the spiritual health of your family. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:4,

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Here are some ways to tend to your soul:

• Daily Devotions: Spend time in God’s Word each day, even just a few verses.

• Prayer: Make prayer a constant conversation with God throughout your day.

• Fellowship: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and pray for you.

  
  

When you are filled with God’s presence, it overflows into your parenting. You will find it easier to extend grace, love, and patience to your children when you have first received it from Him.

Creating a Spiritually and Emotionally Safe Home

Your home should be a refuge where your family can grow spiritually and emotionally. A spiritually and emotionally safe environment allows children to grow in their faith, develop resilience, and build strong relationships. Children thrive in environments where they feel loved, secure, and valued. As parents, we set the tone for our home by fostering an atmosphere of grace, forgiveness, and faith.

A spiritually and emotionally safe home is not simply a peaceful environment; but a reflection of intentional work to align your heart and life with God’s Word. The health of your heart directly influences your parenting, and the atmosphere of your home mirrors the condition of your spirit. When you are rooted in faith and being nourished and nurtured by God, you can better model Christ-like behaviours and create a safe haven for your children to grow and thrive.

Tips for Creating a Safe Home

Model Christ-like Behaviour: 

Let your children see you living out your faith.  Children learn by example. When they see you living out your faith through kindness, forgiveness, and humility, they understand what it looks like to follow Christ.

Encourage Open Communication: 

Create a space where your children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Children need to know they can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or anger. Active listening and gentle responses foster trust and openness.

Pray Together: 

Make prayer a regular part of your family’s routine. Family prayer strengthens bonds and invites God’s presence into your home. It shows your children that prayer is a vital part of life.

Speak Words of Life: 

Use words that build up rather than tear down. Words have power. Positive, affirming language builds your children’s self-esteem and helps them see their God-given worth.

Read: Building a Family Altar.

A spiritually and emotionally safe home doesn’t mean a perfect home. It means creating a space where grace abounds, love is felt, and Christ is at the centre.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Tend to Your Soul

Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. To nourish and nurture your family well, you must allow yourself to be nourished and nurtured in God's presence. Address burnout with intentional self-care, feed your soul through Scripture and prayer, and create a safe, loving home where your family can flourish. With God’s help, you can parent from a place of fullness rather than exhaustion.

Think-Pray-Pause

Soul-Care for Parents - Tend to Your Soul

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:1-2 (ESVUK)

This passage reminds us that all our efforts as parents must be grounded in God’s guidance and strength. It encapsulates the need to rely on Him, prioritise spiritual nourishment, and rest in His provision.

Read the Scripture then think about it, use it to pray, and pause to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say. Do this in any order or configuration that you like. Here's an example:

• Think: Reflect on the areas where you feel burned out or stretched too thin. What can you change to prioritise self-care?

• Pray: Ask God to help you set boundaries, find rest, and deepen your relationship with Him.

• Pause: Sit in His presence and listen for His guidance. What is the Holy Spirit saying about how you can nourish yourself and your family?

  
  

You have just read Soul-Care for Parents - Tend to Your Soul. Let us know in the comments: What’s one way you plan to nourish yourself this week?

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