Self Care for Kids

Self-Care Tips for Kids and Their Busy Parents

Helping kids reduce stress and anxiety is often an overlooked task as busy parents struggle to take care of their daily to-do list, but fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to help your little one relax and recharge. Looking for fun and calming hobbies, eating a well-rounded diet, getting creative, and making time for outdoor play are just a few things your child can do to boost their mood and self-confidence. Not only that, you can engage in some of these activities with them and model the best practices for self-care. Below, we share a few ideas to help you get started.

Create a solid family-oriented plan

When it comes to making sure your child is getting everything they need, it’s important to create a plan that will allow you to prioritize your quality time together even when you’re busy. When things get hectic at work, you might find yourself unable to engage in storytime at night or to interact with them during playtime. You don’t have to completely change your schedule around; by having your child help you cook dinner, looking for a fun activity you can do together on the weekend, and being available to tuck them in at night, you can show your child that they are at the top of your priority list even when work is particularly demanding.

Make home a happy place to be

Whether you and your child are cooking in the kitchen or playing with building blocks, it’s important to make sure your home is a comfortable, happy haven for them. Our environment can play a big role in the state of our mental health, and making changes such as decluttering, adding live indoor greenery and natural light, and using an oil diffuser to make each room smell great are just a few easy ways you can boost your child’s quality of life when they’re at home. Not only will this help them relax and recharge, it will make your time together that much more enjoyable.

Get outside

Once your home is in great shape, turn your focus to the outdoors. Creating a safe, fun space for your child to play outside will help them make better choices, such as spending time in nature rather than sitting indoors playing a video game. If you live in a pedestrian-safe area and weather permits, take a daily walk with your family every day.

Give them some control

Whether your child is having playtime or getting ready for bed, it’s important to give them options when it comes to their schedule, activities, and even clothing rather than choosing everything for them. Kids have very little control over their own lives, so giving them the chance to make decisions can be extremely helpful. Offer choices, provide safe tools for them to use when preparing their own snacks and talk about how to make healthy decisions for their own minds and bodies.

Prioritizing your children and teaching them how to make good decisions will stick with them for years to come, as will modeling those healthy habits yourself. Keep the conversation open about staying healthy both physically and mentally, carve out some quality time on a regular basis, and look for ways you and your child can tackle positive endeavors together.

If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, SpringHaven Counseling Center can help.

Author: Brad Krause, http://selfcaring.info/

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