Somewhere along the way, “good mom” became synonymous with “self-sacrificing superhero who never needs a break.”

And when you’re raising a highly sensitive child—who brings big emotions and needs you like a 24/7 emotional support animal—it’s easy to believe that pausing for yourself is selfish.

It’s not. It’s smart parenting.

Your child’s emotional health begins with your emotional health. That’s not guilt. That’s science. And your nervous system needs regular maintenance, not just emergency care.

So this Mother’s Day, let’s try something different. Let’s shift the story. From “I’ll take care of myself when there’s time” (there never is) to:

“My needs matter too—so I build them in on purpose.”

We’re talking daily, weekly, even seasonal rituals. Easy. Joyful. Intentional. And way more fun than “self-care” has ever sounded before.

Reframe What It Means to Prioritize Yourself

It’s not about becoming a “me first” person. It’s about becoming a “me too” person.

Prioritizing yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your child’s needs. It means recognizing that your nervous system matters, too. That your joy, rest, and mental clarity aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Not because you deserve it (though you do), but because it’s literally how you become the grounded, resilient, emotionally available parent your child needs.

It’s not about time spent. It’s about intention. Small, consistent choices that tell your brain, your body, and your kid: I matter, too.

7 “You First” Rituals That are Just Damn Fun

These aren’t fluffy self-care suggestions. These are designed to help you reclaim a piece of yourself, calm your nervous system, and build consistency without adding another thing to your mental load.

1. Sunday Night Skin Reset (Get the gunk out!) 🧖‍♀️

This one’s about slowing down—on purpose. Every Sunday night, I swipe on Ilso Sebum Softener with cotton pads (yes, it’s a Korean beauty thing, and yes, it actually works). And then I sit. Still. Quiet. Ten to fifteen minutes where I don’t fold laundry, scroll my phone, or respond to anyone’s needs.

Why it matters: It’s not about skincare (although my pores are grateful). It’s about pausing. Bookending the week with a moment of stillness that reminds your body, you are not a machine. You are a person who gets to rest.

2. Dinners Around the World 🌏

Pick a country. Italy. India. Argentina. Then pick a night. Once a month, you and your crew (mom friends, your kid, or just you) cook or order dishes from that place. Make it feel like a night away—music, themed drinks, even paper flags on the table if you’re feeling extra.

Why it matters: It gives you something to look forward to that isn’t tied to productivity or parenting. Just joy. And food. And feeling like a person who’s still allowed to explore, even from home.

3. Sticker Art for Adults…Say what? 🖼️

I recently found these sticker books that recreate vintage travel posters and classic art. Sounds random, but it’s deeply satisfying—like a puzzle, but prettier. You match little numbered stickers to a blank canvas, and slowly, something beautiful appears.

Why it works: There’s no pressure to be “creative.” It’s structured, quiet, and restorative. You can finish a whole piece or just a few stickers. Either way, it gives your brain a break and your soul something to focus on that isn’t anyone else’s emotions.

4. Summer Nights With a Spritz! 🍹

Every few Saturdays in the summer, I make myself a drink (Aperol Spritz if I’m feeling fancy), turn on yacht rock or jazz, and sit on the patio—no expectations, no agenda. Just me, the evening light, and maybe a real glass instead of a plastic cup.

Why it matters: These 30 minutes remind me I don’t need to earn a break. There’s no gold star for staying “on” all the time. I come back inside lighter, more human, more me.

5. Skylight for the win! 📆

We use a Skylight Calendar at home—one of those sleek digital displays that syncs with your phone but sits where everyone can see it. Yes, it keeps track of appointments, but I use it for something else, too: my own time.

I add “solo walk,” “language break,” “kitchen closed at 7.” It’s visual. It’s there. And it signals to everyone in the house: this matters.

Why it works: What’s visible becomes repeatable. Seeing it every day reinforces that you’re not just fitting yourself in. You’re planning for yourself on purpose.

6. The Kid Care Swap 👧👦

Find a friend and create a regular kid-care swap. You take her kid for two hours one week, she takes yours the next. No guilt, no awkwardness—just structure. Call it “The Reset Exchange” if you want to make it feel official.

Why it works: Time alone becomes a given, not a luxury. And you don’t feel like you’re asking for a favor—you’re participating in a shared solution.

7. Cooking + Duolingo 🇲🇽🇫🇷

My friend just started taking Italian classes and it inspired me but I don’t have the time to go to a physical class. But here’s the deal: learning a new language can be as simple as five minutes a day while the pasta’s boiling. I’m talking about opening Duolingo and trying a few lessons in Italian or French or Japanese—not because you need to, but because you want to.

Why it works: It reminds your brain that it still gets to grow. You’re not just a crisis manager. You’re a person with curiosity. And learning something just for fun? That’s rare mom magic.

Bonus: When You Only Have 5 Minutes 💫

You don’t need 30-minute routines to care for yourself. Sometimes 5 minutes is all you have—and it still counts.

• Sit in your parked car with the music off. No podcasts. No news. No iphone.
  
• Put on one song that makes you feel alive OR grounds you. Think of those songs while you’re reading this so you know exactly what to listen to!
  
• Stand outside and look up for one full minute. Can be done during day or looking up at the stars at night.
  

Why it works: These tiny shifts add up. They bring you back to yourself, even in the middle of the mess.

Conclusion

Let’s be real—prioritizing yourself as a mom, especially one raising a highly sensitive child, isn’t always easy. But it is essential. Not in a fluffy, hashtag-self-care way, but in a “this is how I keep showing up without burning out” kind of way.

These rituals aren’t about doing more. They’re about remembering you in the middle of all the doing. They’re little reminders that your needs are valid, your joy matters, and you don’t have to wait for a vacation or a crisis to start taking care of yourself.

So go ahead—reclaim five minutes, plan the themed dinner, put your name on the calendar. Not because you’re selfish. Because you’re wise. Because you’re modeling what it looks like to live a life where everyone’s needs—including yours—deserve a seat at the table.