No Kidding: Promoting Self-Care for Young Children
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In a fast-paced world full of challenges it’s important to encourage an attitude of self-care while your kids are still young. Cultivating this mindset means modeling the right behaviors and suggesting activities that can calm the mind - here are some tips from Birth and Beyond Doulas to get you started.
Benefits of Self-Care
Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are becoming more prevalent amongst adults, however, self-care practices could greatly reduce the chances of kids developing these as they mature. By fostering healthy habits now, they will soon become second nature to your children and equip them to handle stressful situations in adulthood without becoming overwhelmed.
The introspective aspect of self-care also contributes to the development of a child’s emotional intelligence. This can lead to a well-balanced personality and an improved ability to navigate relationships with others with respect and consideration.
Hobbies
Allowing your child to immerse themselves in activities where they feel most free can have a myriad of benefits for their mental health. Although many kids are able to enjoy these on their own, it could be worthwhile to participate since children have a tendency to mimic the behavior of their parents.
Music: Not only does self-expression through music provide a number of developmental benefits in children, but it also affords them the opportunity to get creative and unwind by playing their favorite songs or singing at the top of their lungs.
Arts and Crafts: When kids spend time working with their hands, their minds are free from too much critical thought so they are able to release any pent-up energy through the things they create. Just make sure you check product reviews before you buy to make sure anything you add to your home is safe.
Reading: Books are able to break down difficult topics in a way that makes them easy for kids to understand. The use of vibrant, relatable characters and vivid imagery boosts their imagination, which can often be a welcome distraction from the mundane routine of everyday life.
Exercise
While exercise offers children excellent physical health benefits, it can also help to protect them from poor mental health, boosting their self-esteem and the quality of their sleep, which makes it easier for them to navigate their interactions with others on a daily basis.
Spirituality
Regardless of whether you’ve established a religious or spiritual belief in your household, teaching your child to tap into their spirituality can be an excellent self-care tool. Children can be taught to meditate as early as the age of four, so consider engaging them in a few basic techniques to start off with and kick off their spiritual journey.
Quality Time
If you lead a busy lifestyle, it’s important to put time aside in advance to focus on your child’s wellbeing. Start by setting a regular time in the day where you and your child can engage in meaningful discussions - even if it’s while you’re performing another task like washing the dishes or folding laundry. This forms a vital part of ensuring that your child feels secure in your relationship and doesn’t experience any sense of abandonment.
Environment
Because the outside world cannot be controlled, it’s imperative that the home is a sanctuary for your child to return to at the end of each day. Revitalize your living space by decluttering, bringing in natural light and plants, and ensuring that your child has a place in the home to call their own.
Don’t forget to spend some time transforming your backyard, as well, since that can be a great place for fun and relaxation as well. If your lawn could use some attention aeration – which adds vital nutrients back to the soil – could be a good idea. Simply search for “aeration services near me,” then search ratings and reviews to find a lawn care professional you can trust.
With all the difficulty that accompanies parenting, it can be easy to forget that children experience stress in a way that is meaningful to them. By fostering simple self-care practices and teaching them the importance of their mental health, you can be sure you’re raising a little one who is ready to take on the world once they’ve left the nest.
Birth and Beyond Doulas supports you throughout pregnancy and beyond! Have a question about our services? Please let us know!