Children need to practice self care too … it helps to develop independence, build

resiliency, promote a healthy lifestyle and mental health, manage and reduce stress, build self-esteem, and cultivate a sense of self.

Self care starts with dental and personal hygiene such as brushing teeth and hand washing; as well as healthy eating and a good nights sleep. Here are some examples of strategies for self care.

• Deep Breathing (a great skill for relaxing/coping)
• Mindful Meditation (increases happiness, reduces anxiety)
• Exercise (going for walks, playing a sport or catch in the backyard, take a bike ride)
• Drinking Water Every Day
• Self Regulation (helps children manage stress and difficult situations)
• Eat Meals as a Family (creates positive interactions and better relationships with parents and siblings)
• Self Expression (writing down their thoughts and feelings)
• Creativity (take a dance class, playing a musical instrument, draw, colour, paint)
• Disengage from Technology (eating with the television off, putting away gadgets at a specific time in the evening, limit screen time such as playing video games)
• Foster Social Skills (children can learn skills like active listening, cooperation, good manners, patience, sharing, being respectful)
• Engage in Family Activities (bike riding, camping)

You can have family meetings to brainstorm and get your children’s ideas about self-care. It is important to teach your children self care.  Encourage them to engage in self care. Help your children create good and healthy habits for life.

References

• Jumo Health and HealthyPsych. (2018, November 13). Selfcare for kids: 8 practical ways to promote your child’s mental health on a daily basis {Web blog post}. Retrieved June 21, 2019, from https://healthypsych.com/self-care-for-kids-8-practical-ways-to-promote-your-childs-mental-health-on-adaily-basis-2/
• Louis, Ashleigh. (2018, April 18). Teach your kids the value of self-care by creating healthy habits. Retrieved June 21, 2019, from https://www.gottman.com/blog/teach-kids-self-carecreating-healthy-habits/