SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR CHILDREN

Throughout this pandemic, it is best to implement self care for our children. As parents, do you know how?

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1. ROUTINES

Children love routine. They might test the boundaries and challenge it at times, but routine can help them to feel safe and settled.

Morning and bedtime routines can be particularly helpful. A good morning routine can be used to kick-start our day, setting it up in a positive way. Bedtime routines can help our mind and body recognise that we’re preparing to sleep which can help us to drop off more quickly. Morning routines could include things like waking up at a certain time, making our bed (or at least straightening out our duvet), getting dressed, cleaning our teeth, washing our face and/or having a shower.

2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Helping our kids to get outside and develop a love of fresh air and exploring different places can serve them well throughout their life. Encouraging them to interact with nature, explore, and get excited about it can help them to develop a love of nature. Our children can learn from this and become fearful or resentful of spending time outside. Encouraging them to explore nature in all seasons and all weathers (providing it’s safe and they have the right clothing) can help them to find things that they enjoy about each season.

3. TALK ABOUT EMOTIONS

Trying to keep the lines of communication open with our child can help them to come and talk to us when they’re worried or upset. When we talk about our emotions and name them, it can help our child to identify their own emotions, put a name to them, and talk to us about them. It might help to discuss the purpose of our emotions with our child, to help them to feel more accepting of them and less afraid. For example, anxiety can keep us safe.