Why Self-Care Is Just as Necessary for Kids

Self-care is a topic we hear about often – and rightly so, since it’s essential for our overall well-being. However, it’s easy to forget that self-care can be just as crucial for kids, who are just as likely to feel overwhelmed by the situations they find themselves in, if not moreso. That’s why Winner has put together the following tips and resources to help you instill the importance of self-care in children from an early age. 

 

Encourage Outdoor Activities

With all these advances in modern technology, many children are less inclined to spend time in the fresh air doing fun things outside. Not only is time spent outside an excellent learning experience, but it is also beneficial for children who may be experiencing depression or anxiety. 

Encourage your children to explore things they are into; if they’re fascinated by storms, for example, teach them how to safely spot and identify storms from the safety of their home. Moreover, you should also encourage children to take part in outdoor activities that promote exercise. This is a great way to teach them about how vital it is to incorporate physical activity into their busy days so that they are better equipped to handle any physical and mental challenges the future may bring. 

You’ll want to spend your money wisely when purchasing toys or exercise equipment like skateboards or a trampoline. To get the most out of your money, it helps to read product reviews and to check ratings. This ensures you buy products that have staying power and will be worth the expense. 

 

Getting Sufficient Sleep

Kids nowadays are often busy bees. With all that they have to do and all that's competing for their time, Parents magazine points out that many children are not getting the sufficient sleep they require to grow and thrive. That's why it's vital to tuck your child in early and teach them the value of sleep to ensure they wake up refreshed and revitalized for the day ahead. 

 

Taking Pride and Building Confidence

FamilyDoctor.org notes that one of the ways you can teach children to take better care of themselves is to encourage them to develop healthy habits from a young age. From taking pride in their appearance to eating healthily to practicing good hygiene, you are actually helping your child to feel more self-empowered in knowing that they are capable of making the best choices for themselves even at a young age. At the same time, teach them the importance of not comparing themselves to others or sinking into “negative talk” when they’re feeling down. All of this combined can help your child become confident and self-assured.

 

Help Them Practice Gratitude 

Helping your kid to practice gratitude in tough times is an underrated habit that is often ignored or overlooked these days. However, it is a valuable skill that could help your child overcome less than ideal situations by noticing and being thankful for the many ways in which they are already blessed.

 

Help Protect Them Online 

Kids today spend a lot of time on screens, whether it’s computers, tablets, or smartphones. Social media often plays a huge role in their lives, and can have a profound impact on their mental well-being. So, be sure to help protect your children from the dangers of spending so much of their time online. Explain that they should and shouldn’t post about themselves on social media, discuss how to avoid contact with threatening or mean-spirited emails or posts, and remind them not to share any personal information or passwords with anyone they don’t trust. KidsHealth.org has an excellent internet safety guide that parents should consider reviewing.

 

Encourage Them to Take Part in the Arts

If your child is battling mentally and emotionally, and you're looking for ways to help them cope better with life's sometimes stressful situations, the arts could be the creative solution you both need to see life through more positive lenses. One excellent way for kids to express themselves is through their bedrooms. Encourage them to decorate this area however they want — within reason, of course! This can easily transform their bedroom into a sanctuary where they can relax and escape the world for a while.

 

Live by Example

Suppose your child has been acting otherwise lately, and you have no idea why or what you can do to help. Then, maybe it's time for some self-reflection to see if you are influencing their behavior negatively in any way. If, for example, you're experiencing work stress, then you should live and lead by example by showing your kids that you value self-care for your own well-being, too. And then take the necessary corrective steps to ensure you are looking after your physical and mental health by eating right, changing up your routine, and not being a total perfectionist where some flexibility may be needed to be able to enjoy your work again. 

 

In summary, self-care is a necessary pursuit for everyone. By discussing it freely with our children, we set a great example that will help them grow up to be the best version of themselves. 

 

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