Adults sometimes forget that children need downtime and a chance to re-energize to get ready for the next day. You should take time each day for self-care, too — from giving yourself time to relax to spending quality time with your kids.
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You can help your kids develop healthy habits by practicing self-care in front of them and encouraging them to do the same. Here are some fun ways to help your kids reset and refresh.
Have a Plan and Prioritize Your Children
Find methods to put your kids first, even during hectic times of the year. Your children will spend quality time with you if you have a strategy, and you won't feel under as much pressure. Some ideas include being present for bedtime, having your kids help with modest chores while you prepare meals, and planning exciting new adventures so everyone has something to look forward to.
Practice Gratitude
Help your kids start the day on a positive note by practicing gratitude. Before school, have them list things they're thankful for. It can be anything from getting a new toy or going somewhere fun to seeing a rainbow or hearing the birds chirp. Practicing gratitude helps them focus on the good, boosts mood, and sets a positive tone for the day.
Listen to Music
Listening to music can make you feel wonderful. It can lighten your mood, relieve stress, and even provide a much-needed energy boost. Music is great for kids too. Listening to music can help kids wind down after a long day and provides a mental break and some much-needed calm. Try singing and dancing with your kids. They'll remember this entertaining memory.
Practice Mindfulness in Nature
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. One of the best ways to be mindful is to connect with nature. Take a walk in a park, go for a bike ride, or sit by a tree. Spending time outdoors reduces your anxiety levels, lowers your blood pressure, improves your moods, and increases your happiness.
Create Art
Kids love to create art. Creating art has many benefits, including reducing tension, increasing self-awareness, and sparking creativity. Your kids may not be able to paint masterpieces, but they can use tools such as markers, pens, paintbrushes, or clay to express their imagination. Encourage your child by setting up an art station and recommending some art ideas.
Purchase Family-Friendly Products
Parents always want what is best for their children, and that includes keeping them safe from harm. When it comes to choosing products for children, safety should be the number one priority. Unfortunately, not all products are created equal. Make sure to read labels carefully and do your research to find out if a product is made with safe ingredients. When in doubt, reading product reviews and searching product ratings can help you get the most out of your money. By evaluating the reviews, you can be confident the items you purchase will last and be worthwhile.
Encourage Movement
One of the best ways to encourage self-care in your kids is to get them moving. Exercise is a great way to reduce their stress, improve their mood, and increase their enthusiasm levels. There are plenty of fun ways to get kids active, from playing soccer to swimming to running.
Reset and Refresh
Self-care is essential for kids of all ages. By prioritizing your kids and self-care, you can help them reset and refresh after a long day or week and prepare for the days ahead.
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This article was written by Tim and Cassidy Gibson-Cooper who run Parenting Central, a site founded to provide advice to other 21st century parents.