Happy Mother’s Day. This year, we are raising a glass to the strong mothers supporting children who face ongoing gut related challenges. We understand how demanding this journey can feel, and we are here for you. Here are a few gentle suggestions to help you breathe and hold space for yourselves, even as you care for your child.
Mindful Breathing
The key word here is mindful. As you stare at food lists, pediatric GI doctor’s appointments littering your calendar, and wade through a virtual sea of medications, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Focus on feeling your lungs pull in and push out air, and how the muscles move to support your body function. Be in the moment for yourself; it will help you be there for your child when you are ready for it.
Your Child Is Not Their Struggle
It may feel surprising, but it is important to remind yourself and your child that their challenges do not define who they are. Your child may deal with moments that require extra care and attention, but they are so much more than those experiences. Creating space between their identity and the difficulties they face can support emotional wellbeing and help them see themselves beyond routines, schedules, or stressful days. After all, a kid should get to be a kid, with room to grow, play, and simply be themselves.
Give Yourself the Gift of Time
On a psychological level, humans are wired to remember the bad rather than the good–this served an important purpose when we were hunting and gathering, but in the modern age, this learning mechanism is not fit for every situation. Case in point: you are more likely to remember the hospital visits rather than all of the days your child felt good.
Create memories with your child, and make sure to take pictures for the both of you, smiling and have a good time. Besides important bonding time, the pictures can even help on the bad days, reminding you that even though the storm is raging, sunshine will come again, just like it did before.
Make it fun!
Challenges do not have to limit joy. Instead of focusing on what your child cannot have, explore simple recipes you can enjoy making together that support gentle gut friendly habits. It is a wonderful way to show your child the power of resilience, introduce them to nourishing foods, and help them feel confident caring for themselves and their wellbeing.
Gut Health Kit
We cannot shield children from every challenge, especially when it relates to how they feel in their own bodies. One helpful way to give your child a sense of confidence is to prepare a small kit together with items that help them feel ready for the day. This can include things like wipes, a change of clothes, or anything that offers comfort and reassurance. Creating it side by side can help your child feel more secure and supported wherever they go.
In creating this kit together, you are giving your child tools that help them understand how to care for themselves while also building a sense of confidence and readiness. You might include wipes, a simple card that explains they may need quick access to a restroom, and a spare change of clothes. Even if they never use it, the experience of putting it together with an adult they trust can help them feel more secure and give them the language to talk about their needs in a positive and empowered way.
Evinature’s Tips and Recommendations
Caring for a child through ongoing challenges is no small task, and it can feel especially heavy at times. Yet on the other side of that weight are the incredible moms who show up with strength and love, guiding their children and standing by them with steady support. We see you, mom, and you are doing an amazing job.
If you are exploring gentle ways to support your child’s gut wellness, you are welcome to take our online gut health assessment here. It is free and offers a personalized wellness plan based on your child’s needs and daily patterns. This can help you understand which products and habits may best support their long term gut balance.
Additionally, our Exhale supplement supplement is a plant based option created to support relaxation and encourage a calmer nightly routine. Caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for your child, and giving your own wellbeing some attention can make a meaningful difference for both of you.
You’re our heroines, moms, and from all of us at Evinature: Happy Mother’s Day!
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
