Care for caregivers

Care for caregivers

While parenting and childcare can in itself be stressful, such stresses can be aggravated by professional and other household responsibilities. It is important for caregivers and families to ensure they are able to balance their other responsibilities with childcare to ensure their children receive adequate protection and care. All forms of violence at home must be prevented as these create an environment that psychological affects the development and well-being of a child. Parents and caregivers must also ensure that they work with employers that have family-friendly policies in place that support balanced and sustainable work and family lives.

Tips for parents:

• Prior to childbirth, discuss and take joint and equitable decisions with your partner on how home (and potentially work) responsibilities will change after your child’s arrival.
• Take time out for self-care; partners (and other family members) should support this and step in to help make this possible for caregivers.
• Male and female caregivers encouraged to equally share care and household responsibilities. Male and female caregivers must participate in household activities traditionally connected to the opposite gender
• Caregivers should be encouraged to participate in parenting groups, parenting training and seek out psychosocial support when required
• Employers as well as national governments encouraged to promote family friendly policies in their workplaces
• All forms of violence at home must prevented and reported; caregivers should be encouraged to seek professional help as required

• Look after your mental and emotional well-being and take time out for self-care, for e.g., exercise, spend time with friends, etc.