Self-care is something that wasn’t frequently discussed and considered until recent years – and no one really knows why. Only now do we realise how important it is to really take care of ourselves and take time out of our busy and action-packed day-to-day lives to simply breathe a little and rejuvenate well. But how can we encourage our children to practice a little bit of self-care every day? It’s easy to forget, but lessons at school and playground politics can be a really stressful place for our little ones, and they need time to de-stress just as much as we do. But how can we incorporate self-care into our children’s lives? Well, doing it together might just be the answer.

Help them to Understand it

In order for your kids to fully embrace their self-care routine with you, it’s important that they understand why it’s important for you both to do it. Remember that our mood and mental state can be a product of how we choose to spend our time and if you teach them that from a young age it’s something that they’ll carry into their adult lives with them.

Remind them that despite the excitement that goes on in their day to day lives, it is important for them to rest too. Rest means something different to everybody – so let your little one decide on what they’d like to do. Perhaps they enjoy colouring in or reading a book, or maybe a little sleep is better for them – and this is surely something that tired parents can get on board with too! As long as it’s not for too long, and it’s done within the right timeframe, it’s scientifically proven that taking a short nap on an afternoon is not only good for your health but can help you to sleep better at night too.

There is nothing more refreshing or revitalising for your mind and body than sleep, so taking the time for you to both recharge your batteries during the day can make the world of difference in improving moods and productivity.

Find Ways to Relieve Worries

Worrying is indeed, the thief of joy, and even though it may not seem like it, your little one will have worries too. Whether it be about a difficult sum at school or a friend in the playground who’s not being very nice, they need to know that there are ways that they can deal with the feelings of worry they’re experiencing. Young children are so impressionable, so more often than not they’ll follow the example of what their parents do, and how they react to stress. Show your child that no matter what the worry is, there is always a solution – and ultimately take care of your own worries. A worried parent almost always equates a worried child.

A perfect example is if the family is looking to move home. Chances are your little one will be worried about the changes ahead, and your stress levels will be at an all-time high. Encourage your child to talk openly about their worries, while you openly deal with yours.

For example, if it’s money you’re worried about, and you’re concerned about having to spruce up your home for sale, paying for a valuation, the extortionate estate agent fees and THEN all of the other things that come on top…minimalize your stress with some simple research. If you look online, you’ll find companies such as ReadySteadySell.co.uk who value your home for free and buy it quickly for cash. By opening your mind and broadening your options, you’ll find yourself less stressed, and ultimately, it’ll make your child less worried.

Reduce Their Screen Time – and Yours

It’s a well-known fact, and it’s prevalent in the media, that both children and parents alike are spending too much time on their mobile phones. This not only reduces your social interaction, but spending hours a day scrolling through your mobile, playing on games, or looking at other people on social media is highly linked to stress and the unfolding of mental health problems in later life for children.

Although there’s no denying that we live in different times and that to take a child’s access to tablets and smartphones away would end up alienating them from their peers, it is possible to limit it. Make sure you section out a part of your day where maybe you read together, go and play outdoors, or even ensure that there are no phones at mealtimes so the family can sit around and enjoy each other’s company. Parents are just as bad as their children for this, so if you show by example, your kids will surely follow.