The importance of self-care for adults is a common topic in the media and doctors' offices across the country. It is vital for people to take the time necessary to care for themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. While no one can deny the importance of self-care for adults, it is also crucial in childhood development.
Unfortunately, self-care does not come naturally, which means that parents need to teach their children the core concepts. Through education, your child will learn to prioritize their physical and mental health.
Teach Kids Basic Skills
Before a child can learn how to express and care for themselves mentally, they need to know how to care for themselves physically. While no one expects your preschooler to start cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry, they can start learning about basic hygiene and diet at a young age.
You do not need to coordinate lessons to teach your child. The best way to teach them is while you help. For example, help them understand the process of taking a bath while you are giving them one, teach them about brushing their teeth as your help, or discuss why you picked broccoli as a side dish with dinner instead of french fries.
Talk About Emotions
Children do not come into the world knowing how to express themselves, and in many instances, adults are not too sure of the process either. For a child to develop positive mental attitudes and health, they need to learn how to express their feelings in productive ways.
One of the best ways to teach your child how to talk about their emotions is to have a dialogue during a tantrum or other emotional event. Asking questions like, "what is upsetting you?" inevitably leads to self-expression.
Be Active Outside
People are not meant to sit indoors in front of devices. The outdoors is essential to happiness and health. Everyone can benefit from a little bit of outdoor activity every day. Experts recommend children get a minimum of one hour of outdoor exercise per day.
By spending time outside and enjoying it, you teach your children a healthy way to expend energy. The sun is one of the best and only ways to get vitamin D, so that should be reason enough to enjoy the fresh air.
Spend Time With Them
Not everything with your child has to be about exercise and activity. Spending time together in calm and subtle ways is also important because it establishes a healthy parental bond. While you can look for adventures, you can also sit down together and play a board game or enjoy some ice cream. Focus on using these moments as a time to communicate and bond with your child.
Taking the time to establish trust and a safe relationship will be beneficial as your child grows. They will look to you for answers and help more often if they feel comfortable around you.
Allow for Downtime
Over the years, people have gotten it in their heads that rest, relaxation, and downtime are bad words. It is unhealthy to stay busy all the time. Stress can lead to physical and mental health problems.
Instead of perpetuating the myth that rest equals death, try encouraging your child to take breaks. Let them relax. As urgent as things might seem, it is often best to take a step back and breathe, allowing you to come at problems and activities with fresh eyes and potentially new insight.
Every parent only wants what is best for their child, and while it might seem a bit premature for little ones, learning about self-care can never start too early. Teaching them while they are young often leads to positive lifelong habits. If you want some help starting your child off on the right path, consider Wellements supplements.