There’s a common saying, that “We are our own worst critics.” And it’s so true. Sometimes the nicest people in the world are utterly cruel to themselves, beating themselves up for things they’d forgive or overlook in others around them.

That’s a recipe for misery and self-hatred. Not a very great way to live, is it?

Luckily, there’s a solution: self-compassion.

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, self-compassion is a self-care technique that consists of three components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. It involves becoming aware of how you talk to yourself and treating yourself as you would a close friend.

Through the practice of self-compassion, you can increase your own happiness and become more effective in parenting and helping others be happy.

Being an autism parent carries its challenges. Don’t forget to go easy on yourself and give yourself grace both today and every day from now on.