Self-care is an important aspect of maintaining good mental and physical health, and it is never too early to teach children about self-care.
In Australia, half of all adult mental health challenges emerge before the age of 14 [1].
Through early self-care education, we can equip kids with invaluable tools for navigating life's challenges with resilience and mindfulness. By instilling self-care practices at an early stage, we can nurture their emotional well-being and help build a solid foundation for their overall development.
Understanding Kids' Self-Care
Self-care for kids involves developing habits and practices that promote physical, emotional, and mental health. It includes activities such as exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness. Self-care also involves teaching kids to recognise and manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and establish healthy boundaries.
Teaching Kids Self-Care
1. Lead by example: The best way to teach kids self-care is to lead by example. Model healthy behaviours such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking time for self-care. 2. Encourage physical activity: Exercise is essential for kids' physical and mental health. Encourage activities such as playing outside, bike riding, swimming, or dancing. 3. Foster creativity: Creative activities, such as drawing, painting, and writing, can help kids express their emotions and relieve stress. 4. Establish healthy routines: Kids thrive on routine, so establish healthy routines for meals, bedtime, and activities. This can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. 5. Teach mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, can help kids manage stress and improve overall well-being. 6. Encourage healthy communication: Teach kids healthy communication skills, such as active listening and assertiveness. This can help them establish healthy boundaries and express their emotions effectively. 7. Provide healthy food options: Offer healthy food options at meal and snack times, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This can help establish healthy eating habits and improve overall health.
8. Introduce them to Essential Oils: Essential Oils trigger the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that deals with emotions. Aromatherapy can help kids to calm their emotions, improve sleep quality, provide an energy boost and assist with focusing on tasks. They help to bring the body & mind back into a state of wellbeing and relaxation.
By incorporating these teachings, we can guide children toward embracing self-care as an integral part of their daily lives, and lead them to a happier and healthier life.
Source: [1} National Mental Health Commission, Australian Govt.