Blog by Charlene Roth with Safetykid
Self-care for children is an important part of their emotional, mental, and physical health. Because stress and anxiety can take place in the home or at school, it’s a good idea to look for ways to help your child learn to cope with those feelings. You can also help them reduce stress by being an excellent role model. If you work from home, there are a few simple things you can do to make the environment positive for everyone.
Below, Hidden Lake Kung Fu presents some tips that can help your children learn important self-care tips that will benefit them now and in the future.
KEEP THEM BUSY
Working from home can be stressful for both you and your children. However, providing simple, fun entertainment can go a long way toward helping them to stay busy while you get things done. Depending on their age, they may be able to do self-directed crafts or art projects. They might enjoy an educational video game or an excellent learning app.
You can even give incentives for things like reading and chores, such as a pizza party at the end of the day. When kids have something to do, they’re less likely to interrupt you when you’re trying to work. This is important in preventing stressful situations for everyone in the household. You can also set boundaries and create a realistic schedule, especially if you need quiet time during the day for meetings or phone calls. You can even enlist the help of your older children, who can spend time with you during the workday.
MODEL SELF-CARE
On days when you can’t avoid work-related stress, it’s important to practice self-care for yourself. This way, your children can see how it’s done and follow in your footsteps. Taking a break when you need one or learning breathing methods to cope with negative feelings are great ways to banish stress. Model healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
You can also show them that going after their dreams is something that can bring them happiness and satisfaction. For example, if you’ve always wanted to go back to school to earn a nursing degree, take a step in that direction. You can begin by searching for an online bachelor’s degree in nursing, which will allow you to follow this dream from home — at your own pace. This way, you won’t have to disrupt your household routines too much in the process.
GIVE THEM OPTIONS
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety differently. When it comes to working self-care into your family’s routine, it’s important to provide options. Some kids might benefit most from time spent outdoors, while others need to decompress in a quiet space. Sometimes making art or enjoying a relaxing hobby works, while other times playing an active game is best for getting out negative energy. Talk to your children about what helps them feel good.
Work out a family plan for self-care that includes time together and alone. Look for activities that reduce stress, such as playing an instrument or spending time with a pet. The more options everyone has for self-care, the easier it will be to practice it.
Last but not least, if they express an interest in something like martial arts, allow them to give it a shot. They can sign up for classes at Hidden Lake Kung Fu to begin their journey. Who knows? This could be the beginning of a lifelong passion that’s good for the mind and body.
JOIN MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
Mental and physical health are closely linked and can benefit one another. When looking for self-care options for your kids, think about how you can stay active as a family. Exercising is a great way to boost your mood and can relieve feelings of anxiety or stress, especially when done outdoors. Try some family-oriented activities, such as playing an active game in the park. Set up a fun obstacle course in the backyard. On warm days, set up the sprinklers and fill some water balloons; when it’s too cold to play outside, put on some music and have a dance party.
Try these self-care exercises as a family:
- Gentle yoga with meditation.
- Take a break after work and school; relax without devices. Play soft music.
- Choose a healthy meal idea. Allow children to participate in shopping for ingredients or preparing the food.
Taking care of ourselves is an important lesson at any age. Talk to your children about how they’re feeling, especially as it relates to the pandemic. Look for ways to incorporate healthy activities into everyday routines so that everyone can benefit.
