When it comes to kids and teens, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health should not be overlooked. Decreased social interaction with their peers and extended family, disruption in school or summer routine, and frustration over changes to future plans – these could all be contributing factors to your child feeling anxious, depressed, or isolated.
In fact, loss of routine and uncertainty about the future can be a big source of stress for both parents and kids so it’s important that everyone in the family continues to practice self-care. A lot of times, we try to overthink self-care. But at its root, self-care is simply about taking time to recognize our own individual needs and then taking time to care for them.
Like most healthy lifestyle habits, caring for yourself is a lesson best learned when you’re young. And, with so much confusion happening in the world and in our lives, now is the perfect time to begin teaching your kids about why self-care is an important part of health and wellness.
But what does self-care look like for kids and teens? Let’s break it down some.
Self-care is important for kids for many of the same reasons it is important for adults. While kids aren’t usually caring for the needs of others — and prioritizing others over themselves — they are subjected to stress, just like adults.
Regularly taking time to focus on things that are solely for the individual is important. Learning self-care habits including healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, a consistent sleep schedule, and limited screen time can help kids to ease stress, boost their mood, experience better self-esteem and confidence, and make healthy choices throughout their lives.
So, self-care is important for kids. But what exactly constitutes self-care in kids and teens?
Well, the first thing to consider is that self-care is not all about manicures or spa days. It’s not even about huge gestures or ways to “treat yourself.”
Instead, it’s quite simply about caring for yourself. To help your child appreciate the full benefit of their new self-care practice, encourage them to find activities and behaviors that help fuel their unique fire and give them life.
Here are a few ideas:
One of the best forms of self-care for children and adults alike is to undergo regular checkups and keep immunizations current. If you don’t have a pediatrician or primary care physician for your child, you can find a doctor here.
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