The new year offers a fresh start. You can take time to slow down, breathe, and remember what matters most. When you are raising a grandchild, niece, nephew, or other relative’s child, you already know how much love and energy this takes. These children have been through hard things like loss, neglect, and chaos that can make everyday life more challenging now.
5 Gentle New Year Intentions
This year, instead of strict resolutions that may set you up for failure, consider setting gentle intentions or small steps toward caring for yourself as you care for your family. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re also caring for the children who depend on you.
1. Rest Your Body
Caregivers are constantly in motion: therapy, appointments, school, cooking, and calming big emotions. It’s easy to forget that your body needs rest and repair, too.
Start small:
- Try turning in 15 minutes earlier each night.
- Take a short walk or stretch while the kids play.
- Let yourself nap when your body says you need it.
Sleep and movement help your mind and mood. When you’re rested, it’s easier to stay calm and steady for the kids in your home.
2. Feed Yourself Well
When we’re tired or rushed, we grab whatever is quick. But your body and brain need real food.
Try to add one simple healthy habit at a time:
- Drink a glass of water before morning coffee.
- Keep nuts, fruit, or yogurt handy for quick snacks.
- Cook one big pot of soup or beans to eat for several meals.
You don’t have to cook fancy meals. Instead, aim to include one or two whole foods each day — something that comes from the earth and makes you feel nourished.
3. Stay Connected
Raising a child who has been through trauma can feel lonely. Some friends or family members may not understand what you face. But you don’t have to do this alone. Sharing our struggles and laughter reminds us we’re part of a bigger circle of care.
Surround yourself with others who “get it.” Join a local kinship support group* or an online community through Creating a Family. Talk with another caregiver or a friend who listens without judging.
4. Care for Your Spirit
Your spirit needs tending just as much as your body does. For some, this might mean prayer, time in nature, or quiet moments of gratitude. For others, it may be music, storytelling, or laughter around the table.
Gratitude helps shift your heart from worry to hope and refreshes your spirit. Try this simple family activity to develop a habit of gratitude:
The Gratitude Jar – Each day, each person writes one small thing they are thankful for and drops it in. Once a week (or a month, or on hard days), pull one out and read it aloud. Pause to reflect and offer thanks.
5. Give Yourself Grace
Change doesn’t happen overnight. You already carry a heavy load, and some days will feel more challenging than others. That’s okay. Start by adding one small act of self-care into your daily rhythm:
- Breathe deeply while making your morning coffee.
- Play a favorite song when the house feels tense.
- Sit outside for five minutes and notice the sky.
When things don’t go as planned, remind yourself: you’re doing enough. Every small act of care, every breath, every pause, helps your home feel safer and calmer for these kids.
Starting New Every Day
The new year isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving grace and space to start each day anew with kindness for yourself and for the children you love.
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s an act of love that strengthens your family from the inside out. One gentle step at a time, you’re helping both yourself and your children heal, grow, and thrive.
*If you are interested in a kinship caregiver support community, please email info@creatingafamily.org and request information about the groups available for relative caregivers.