---
title: ' Building self-compassion skills'
description: 'Parenting is tough. And it can be even tougher when your child’s school struggles trigger your own big emotions. In this video, Dr. Monica Johnson talks about why it’s important to have compassion for yourself. '
slug: building-self-compassion-skills
author: The Understood Team
published: '2024-02-16T17:50:48.656Z'
date_modified: '2024-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00'
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/building-self-compassion-skills
lang: en
---

#  Building self-compassion skills

Listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explains why it’s so important — and so hard — to practice self-compassion as a parent. Get mindfulness tips to help avoid negative self-talk. And learn how to create your own “self-compassion statement.”

After you watch the video, check out these tips and resources: 

- Try writing, recording, or drawing your own self-compassion statement. Pay attention to how it feels to do the exercise. What comes easily? What doesn’t? What kind of feelings does it bring up?
- Make a list of practical workarounds for situations where you usually get stuck. For example, Problem: “I don’t like to talk to my child’s teacher on the phone.” Workaround: “I’ll ask them to communicate via email instead.”
- Get more [tips for letting go of feelings of parenting guilt and shame](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-guilt-tips). 

This is the fourth episode in our Parenting Problems series. To start from the beginning, [watch the first video](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/school-trauma-big-feelings). 

Ready to learn more? [Watch the next video](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/resources-for-parents-coping-with-their-own-difficult-school-experiences) in the series.

---

## Explore related topics and articles

- [Resources for parents coping with their own difficult school experiences](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/resources-for-parents-coping-with-their-own-difficult-school-experiences) - In the final episode of our Parenting Problems series, Dr. Monica Johnson reviews what we’ve learned and offers resources to help you continue your journey. Check it out!
- [What pushes your buttons? ](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-pushes-your-buttons) - Your child’s school struggles can instantly take you back to the emotions you felt when you were in school. In this video, Dr. Monica Johnson talks about how to spot your “button pushers” or triggers.  
- [Navigating your child’s diagnosis: Self-care tips for parents](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/the-opportunity-gap/self-care-tips-parents-learning-disability) - When a child is diagnosed, parents often forget their own needs. Learn how to care for your mental health while being there for your child.   When a child is diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference, their parents often focus all their energy on helping. Like advocating for their child, or 

---

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