Teaching Kids the Basics of Self-Care

Author: Charlene Roth

Self-care is a concept that is doing the rounds in popular discourse across the world. However,
it is centered around the needs of adults and how to create a healthy work-life balance. While
kids do not feel the same level of stress as adults, teaching them the importance of self-care
from an early age will help them become responsible grown-ups of tomorrow. Wondering what
are the best ways to teach self-care to kids? Mississippi Families for Kids has got you covered!

Inculcate Good Habits
From a young age, Today’s Parent advises teaching your child to become independent towards
everyday activities such as:

● Bathing, brushing hair, wearing clothes, etc.
● Feeding themselves and becoming aware of the difference between healthy and
unhealthy food choices.
● Developing a good sleep schedule i.e. sleeping and waking up at a set time daily.

When it comes to teaching ways for handling stress, creating a calm down box is a useful tool.
A calm-down box includes a variety of items that result in a positive reaction from your child,
such as a fidget toy, stuffed animals, candy, bubble wrap, scratch stickers, and more. When you
notice your child getting overwhelmed, direct them to use their box. Over time they will develop
an understanding of when they’re stressed and naturally turn to the box for help. This is a good
representation of how they will need to look for outlets in the future to deal with the stress of
work, finances, and more.

Physical activity is a sure cure for stress and anxiety as well. In fact, the Endocrine Society cites
research showing that exercise can actually shield kids from stress. Engaging in sports or
activities like karate is an excellent way for them to not only get in some good exercise, but the
disciplines learned during practice and competition aids in a wide range of positive lessons
they’ll carry into adulthood.

Engage them in The Arts
The years spanning childhood and adolescents contribute greatly towards helping kids develop
their personalities and form unique identities. As reported by Tiny Beans, exposing kids to
various types of arts will aid their development as follows:

● Learning to play an instrument utilizes both hemispheres of the brain, allowing your child
to mix their analytical and creative skills. This results in the development of strong
problem-solving ability.
● Being a part of a theater or dance group helps kids learn the importance of teamwork
and appreciation towards others’; achievements. Additionally, it serves as a good lesson
in handling responsibilities.

You can also choose to enroll your child in art therapy sessions that use art as a medium to
teach kids important life skills. As reported by Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute, art
therapy helps to improve social skills, develop higher self-esteem, and regulate erratic behavior.
Additionally, it teaches kids how to use art as a way to release stress and express emotions of
anger and trauma.

Regulate Screen Time
According to the AACAP, children aged between 8-12 spend up to 6 hours a day in front of
screens. This number increases to 9 hours for teenagers. Such high screen use can lead to
frequent eye strain, headaches, and disruption of sleep patterns.

It is important to help your child develop a healthy relationship with electronic devices. This
includes:

● Restricting the use of electronic devices to 1-4 hours a day.

● Having set times during the day when they can use devices.
● Regulating internet access by allowing them to only view positive and informative
content.
● Have no-screen zones in the house, such as the dining table, bedrooms, etc.

Be a Role Model
The most important aspect in teaching your child good habits is leading by example. At its root,
leading by example is a mutually beneficial concept that starts with prioritizing one another.
When considering how you can contribute to your children’s self-care, find ways to prioritize
your children, especially during busy seasons. Having a plan in place will ensure your children
have quality time with you, and you won’t feel as much pressure. This can include being
available for bedtime, letting your kids help with a few simple chores around the house, and
planning some new shared experiences that you can look forward to.

Kids are quick learners and often shape their behaviors based on those around them. To teach
them self-care, you will need to follow it yourself. Here are a few ways how:

● Engage in hobbies at least for an hour a day. You can also involve your kids in this. For
instance, if you love to read, encourage your child to pick up a book and read with you.
● Focus on nutrition through eating three nutritious meals a day and always staying
hydrated.
● If you have work-related stress, try to change things up a bit. For example, tweak your
work timings by an hour, be open to help from colleagues, and stop procrastinating.

Each child will learn habits at their own pace. As a parent, plan to start teaching your child early,
be consistent in your efforts, and remain a good role model for them to follow and learn from.

Mississippi Families for Kids ensures the permanency and well-being of children and families
through the development of educational services and specialized training. Connect with us
today for more information! 1-800-241-KIDS (5437)