Encouraging Self-Care in Kids: Essential Activities to Get Started
By: Eleanor Wyatt
A self-care regimen isn’t just for busy parents who need ‘me time.’ It’s also for kids - irrespective of age - who equally need time to recharge and refresh mentally, physically, and emotionally. Equipping your child with self-care strategies early on will help set them up for success, especially if they live with a disability and need to learn how to juggle all their responsibilities. Here, Real Abilities shares the best self-care activities to get your kid started.
Prioritizing Your Child
A lack of affection and care towards kids can manifest in them feeling neglected, PsychCentral reports. It will be critical to contribute actively to your child’s self-care by prioritizing them (especially in busy seasons). You can do this by helping them feel secure that they will always have quality time with you. By making yourself available for bedtime each night, spending time together doing simple chores, or planning new experiences to look forward to, you’re ensuring you’re meeting their emotional needs. Also, be sure to model positive behavior and take action in your own life so your child learns from you daily. This will be the best way to make self-care and positive habits a lifestyle for them, rather than temporary actions.
Find Activities to Relax and Unwind
We all need a break now and again. Amidst all the school responsibilities and self-care strategies, don’t forget to treat your kids for their hard work. You can turn this treat into a family activity that is a great bonding and relaxing exercise simultaneously. For example, attending a game together can be great fun - and if your team isn’t close by, you can take a short trip and turn it into a fun weekend getaway. You can find discounted tickets online quickly and filter by date, price, and seat rating. If you’re looking for Yankees tickets, this is an excellent option to find affordable seats for your family’s needs. Some online ticket sellers also offer interactive seating charts, through which you can check out the 360-degree view virtually before completing your purchase. If you’re looking for other self-care activities, take a look at some options below:
● Play with a pet or go on a walk
● Call a friend
● Splash in rain puddles
● Visit a playground
● Creating art
● Stretch and do breathwork
Mental Health First
According to Get Out Of Your Head, mental health always ebbs and flows. While there are periods of happiness, your child will also experience feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, and even anxiety. The best way to show up for these inevitable experiences is to give them coping mechanisms to handle these feelings. Encouraging them to journal their fears and worries or come up with a gratitude list will come in handy during challenging periods. Mental health services are another excellent option for kids with disabilities - virtual options are ideal because they are convenient, secure, private, and less commitment than in-person therapy. Referring to an online therapist might be a good option also because you’ll save time on travel, pay less for care, and have access to a broader range of licensed professionals. You can also sign up for a complimentary consultation to ensure the therapist is the right fit for your child’s needs.
Self-care is a hot topic on the internet these days. We have come to a collective conclusion - that we function significantly better when we take the time to decompress and relax. Encourage your kids also to follow along, as they will get to explore their personality and become the best version of themself!
Check out the Real Abilities site if you want your kids to learn about disabilities in new and exciting ways. We have educational packages which include comic books, a musical, and even a TV show - click here to learn more today!
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