Getting Kids to Care About Self-Care

Contributed by Cherie Mclaughlin of Couch Based Biz with full permission to use

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Getting Kids to Care About Self-Care

Self-care is a key part of life, yet it often gets forgotten. We often focus on taking care of others before we take care of ourselves. One way to teach your kids about the importance of self-care is to model it for them. Read on for some pointers from Kindness for Success.

Getting Proper Sleep

A simple way for children to care for themselves is by making sure they get enough sleep. This means that they should have a bedtime and self-limiting screen time before bed. They should also try not to eat too much sugar or caffeine before bedtime because these substances can lead to feelings of anxiety and irritability in the morning. Furthermore, it is important to make sure that children take part in physical activity such as playing outside or doing a sport every day.

Bedtime can be a great time to connect with your children on a daily basis. Especially during busy times of year when work takes up more time, making a point to regularly connect with your children and check in with them can help keep you involved in their lives.

Getting Enough Play Time

Self-care for kids entails teaching children about mental health, self-love, and self-acceptance. It is important for them to know that they need to take care of themselves too and that there's no need to feel guilty for taking time off from their studies or playing or doing anything else that makes them happy.

Global News notes that having too much on their plate, like school, homework, organized sports, and private lessons can make a child feel overwhelmed. They may feel guilty for not giving those activities their all when it’s impossible for them to do so because they’re simply overloaded. Having time to do what they want to do or simply not doing anything at all is important for kids and adults.

Getting a Proper Diet and Exercising

Teaching children the benefits of a proper diet and regular exercise can lead to good habits that can last a lifetime. While it’s fine to indulge in treats for special occasions, kids should also learn that caring for their bodies means they’ll not only feel better but have more energy to do the things they enjoy. Healthy foods don’t have to be forced on children, much of what’s good for them is also enjoyable, like fresh fruits, nuts, and creatively prepared vegetables.

And when it comes to exercise, yoga is a wonderful way to incorporate physical activity into their regular routine. It teaches many things, including breath control, self-discipline, and the ability to improve concentration.

Getting a Good Start at Home

Social Science Research explains that a stress-free home life can result in children who are better behaved and less likely to turn to substance abuse later in life. Having a tidy home is critical to a functional household. It indicates that the family has good time management skills, they have developed good housekeeping habits, and they see an orderly environment as something worth maintaining.

One of the biggest contributors to stress in the home is clutter, followed by disorganization. In addition to reducing clutter, bringing live plants into the home as well as allowing more sunlight improves the energy of the house and everyone living in it. Getting kids into the habit of putting things away where they belong also eliminates the frustration of spending time looking for things that have been misplaced. Having their school supplies where they can grab them without having to search for them makes the day begin so much easier.

Use these tips to get your kids in the habit of self-care. Remember to ensure they’re getting a proper amount of sleep, plenty of play time, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and contribute to a stress-free, clutter-free home environment.