A good parent cares for a child's physical needs. Warm baths. Nutritious food. Comfortable sleep. Gentle touch when sick or scared.
How well are you parenting YOUR body?
Physical reparenting asks:
- Do you feed yourself when hungry, or push through?
- Do you rest when tired, or demand more?
- Do you dress yourself in clothes that feel good?
- Do you touch yourself with gentleness?
- Do you speak to your body with kindness or criticism?
If your actual parents neglected or criticized your body, you may have internalized that treatment. You might not even notice you're continuing it.
A body reparenting practice:
Tonight, before bed, pretend you are putting a beloved child to sleep.
1. Draw a warm bath or take a gentle shower
2. Use lotion or oil as if caring for precious skin
3. Dress in the softest, most comfortable clothes you own
4. Tuck yourself into bed with care
5. Say silently: "You did well today. I'm proud of you. Rest now."
This might feel awkward. That's okay. The awkwardness is old programming. Keep practicing.
When physical self-care feels foreign, Grief Compass Journal helps you begin.