LEXINGTON, Ky. – In honor of National Kinship Care Month and Self-Care Awareness Month, the UK College of Social Work (CosW) Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC) hosted a live, virtual webinar focused on creating space for caregivers to participate in self-care.
“Rising While Raising – Finding Your Balance” explored ways to ease stress, set healthy boundaries, and honor the emotions that come with the kinship caregiving journey. The webinar shared practical tools and encouraged supportive conversation, with the goal for caregivers to feel more grounded, connected, and reminded that their well-being is just as important as the care they give.
“While kinship care is earmarked by love and commitment, it can also come with unique challenges. Because family connections are at the heart of kinship care, they can also create added stress for caregivers,” said Sheila Rentfrow, KKRC Program Manager. “For all these reasons, self-care is not optional—it is a critical part of sustaining caregivers’ health and capacity to continue providing the love and stability children need.”
The webinar was led by Arion Jett-Seals, MSSW , the founder of Holistic Rise, a consultancy and brand dedicated to supporting emotional laborers through resilience training, burnout prevention, and holistic well-being. She also serves as Associate Director of Student Basic Needs at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, leading statewide initiatives that strengthen economic mobility and student success.
In addition to the tips and resources shared throughout the webinar, below are some tips for caregivers as they prioritize their self-care.
- Rest: Take time to recharge. Whether it’s a nap, quiet time with a book, or a hobby you enjoy, rest is essential to maintaining energy and balance.
- Utilize Support Systems: Lean on family, friends, neighbors, or community groups for help. Support might look like babysitting, sharing a meal, or simply listening when you need to talk.
- Ask for Help: Speak up when you need assistance. If you don’t have a strong personal support system, reach out to the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center for additional guidance and resources.
- Make Time for enjoyable activities: Schedule activities you enjoy, even if it’s only for 10 minutes a day. Doing something that relaxes or energizes you will lift your spirits and keep you grounded.
- Celebrate the Good: Notice the positives—whether it’s good grades, a child’s kindness, or a successful day. Celebrating small wins builds hope and gratitude.
- Develop Coping Skills: Try stress-relieving practices like deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or a walk outside. These tools help you stay calm and centered.
- Set Boundaries: Remember it’s okay to say “no.” Protecting your time and energy allows you to give your best to your family without burning out.
Practicing self-care helps caregivers feel refreshed, supported, and better prepared to meet the needs of the children in their care. For more information on the KKRC and its programs like the monthly, live webinars, please visit the KKRC website.