Part 1: Parenting Through Crisis and Change Starts with You: Why Forest Hills Parents Need to Put Themselves First
Forest Hills isn’t just a neighborhood — it’s a living classroom of cultures, perspectives, and traditions. As one of the most diverse locations in the country, we raise our kids in a place where inclusion, empathy, and cross-cultural learning are part of everyday life. That diversity doesn’t just enrich our food and festivals — it also offers a critical lesson during times of crisis: there is more than one right way to respond, cope, and support our families.
But no matter where you’re from or how you were raised, parenting through uncertain times starts in the same place: with yourself.
Angela Schedler, LCSW and founder of Zen + Zest Therapy, puts it simply: “Parents need to regulate themselves first. You can’t show up for your child if you’re constantly overwhelmed.”
So how can we do that when the world feels heavy? Here FHM contributor Angela and her team at Zen + Zest share four foundational self-care strategies that help parents stay grounded and present — especially when the headlines are unsettling.
1. Limit Your News Intake
Our devices make it all too easy to doomscroll through the worst moments of the day. But as Schedler points out:
“We have the ability to look online for news, that way we can also choose what we want to read versus being forced to watch what is on the TV.”
By choosing when and how you engage with the news — and balancing hard news with uplifting stories — you give your brain the space it needs to process instead of panic.
2. Ground Yourself First
Before reacting, take a moment to center yourself. Schedler suggests simple steps like:
deep breathing, calming scents, or a walk around the block. These small acts of mindfulness help you regulate your nervous system and reset emotionally.
3. Lean on Your Support System
When you’re holding everything in, stress multiplies.
“Talk with trusted friends and families,” says Schedler. “It feels good to feel heard, understood, validated.”
That’s one of the best things about parenting in a place like Forest Hills — there’s always someone nearby who gets it.
4. Stick to Routines
Daily rituals may seem small, but they create a powerful sense of stability.
“Routines can bring a sense of normalcy,” Schedler explains. And in times of disruption, normalcy becomes a form of safety — for you and your children alike.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. And it’s the first step toward helping your child feel secure, informed, and resilient.
In Part 2, we’ll explore how to talk to your children about current events — using calm, inclusive language that reflects the diversity and empathy that make Forest Hills so special.