5 Secrets to Teaching Youth Self-Care
- by WONDERMOM
- Oct. 12, 2023
When we talk about preparing our kids for the world, we often think of academic milestones and life skills. But do we ever pause to consider the role self-care plays in their lives? Here’s a revelation: teaching our youth about self-care is just as important as teaching them to read and write. Why, you ask? Because self-care is important . And not just for adults, but for our children too.
1. Start With the Basics: Hygiene & Nutrition
We can’t dive into meditation and mindfulness without first discussing the foundational elements of self-care. When kids understand the importance of a good bath or brushing their teeth, they’re starting to grasp the first tenets of self-care. The same goes for eating their greens and understanding why a healthy plate makes a difference. Remember, before delving into the deep, it’s the day-to-day habits that set the stage. And every time they wash their hands or choose an apple over crisps, they’re reinforcing the idea that self-care is important .
2. Talk About Feelings & Mental Wellbeing
Let’s face it, kids have BIG emotions. By talking to them about their feelings and teaching them simple ways to cope – be it deep breathing, a quiet moment with a book, or even scribbling in a diary – we’re emphasizing that mental and emotional self-care is important too. We’re raising a generation that not only recognises its emotions but also knows how to deal with them in healthy ways.
3. Model It For Them
Kids are observant. If they see Mum taking a moment to sip her tea, read a chapter of her book, or even indulge in a cheeky piece of chocolate after a long day, they learn that taking time for oneself is not only okay but necessary. After all, self-care is important for Mummy, and that means it’s likely important for them too!
4. Routine, Routine, Routine!
A consistent bedtime routine, morning rituals, or even scheduled quiet times can be the key. Kids thrive on routine, and by incorporating self-care habits into their daily lives, we’re teaching them that taking care of oneself isn’t a once-in-a-blue-moon activity, but a daily priority. Self-care is important , yes, but it’s also regular.
5. Let Them Choose Their Self-Care Activity
Whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a fun dance session in their room, or a quick jog in the garden, letting kids choose their own self-care activity empowers them. It tells them that they know best what they need and that they should listen to their bodies and minds.
By nurturing these habits, we’re not just teaching our kids self-care, we’re gifting them a lifelong tool that’ll help them thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. And, just between us, it also means that when they’re grown and facing the challenges of adulthood, they’ll have the resilience and tools to handle it. Because they’ll always remember that self-care is important .