Rule of Thumb:
   "You can't give away that which you don't possess."

You can't extend patience and acceptance to your child if you can't first offer it to yourself.

As your child' most significant caregiver, you are asked to give so much of yourself, often when you simply don't have the resources within you to meet the demands of parenting. As parents, you may be deeply aware of your own failures, yet you can't extend patience and acceptance to your child while being impatient and un-accepting of yourself.

Example:

    If you've ever been on an airplane, you've seen the flight attendant demonstrate how to use an
    oxygen mask. Does anyone remember though, the proper procedure if the oxygen mask drops and
    you are sitting next to a baby or child who needs your help to use the oxygen mask? Do you put
    the mask on yourself or the baby first?

Answer:

    You put it on yourself first, because if you pass out, no one is there to help the baby/child.
    You have to take care of yourself first, then your child.


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