How to Teach Children the Importance of Self-Care from an Early Age

By grade school, your child might usually know how to dress, brush their teeth, and use the toilet independently. However, as they grow older, the self-care routine for kids becomes more complex. It’s important for them to understand modesty and the difference between public and private behavior at an early age.

The smart way to make children learn healthy and effective coping skills is to let them see their parents following healthy and effective coping skills. There are several CBSE schools, out of which, the best is the  CBSE school in Vedapatti,  and they would teach your child the best self-care for children and education in all ways.

Strategies for Making Self-Care Fun:

Early childhood development must begin by making self-care fun, which can encourage children to engage in healthy habits. A few strategies are listed below:

1. Turn self-care into games like “self-care bingo.”

2. Let children choose their own self-care activities.

3. Use visual charts or calendars to track progress.

4. Reward small achievements to motivate consistency.

5. Designate a self-care space to make routines more enjoyable.

Tips for Parents to Teach Self-care to Kids

1. Practice Deep Breathing

We have heard deep breathing can help kids relax, but how do you teach it?”

Try ‘belly breaths.’ Have your child put their hand on their belly, breathe in through their nose, and feel their belly rise. Then, breathe out slowly through their mouth. You shall make your kid do belly breaths whenever they’re stressed or even daily to build the habit. This also helps in emotional well-being for children.

2. Be Playful with Kids

We are aware that being playful will help kids, but how can you incorporate it into our day?

It is simple! Join them in their games, make silly faces, or dance around together. It helps them relax and bond with you. So, just getting involved makes a difference. Playfulness encourages connection and lowers stress immediately in kids.

3. Make Your Kid Stay Hydrated

If you’re trying to get your child to drink more water, here are a few interesting tips. You can make it fun by using colorful cups or adding a straw. Make your child take small sips of water throughout the day.

How much water should a kid drink? Aim for 5-6 cups daily, depending on their activity level.

4. Incorporate Rest.

Your child might seem to get tired during the day. How can you help them rest more?

Incorporating short breaks is key. Try a quiet activity like reading or deep breathing after playtime. That sounds helpful!

How often should they rest?

Young children recover and grow well when they sleep more than 7 hours a day. A few short breaks throughout the day, and a nap if needed, can really recharge them.

5. Get the Wiggles Out.

Each child has so much energy, and few kids are hyperactive! How can you help them calm down?

Try giving them a chance to move around. A quick dance, jumping jacks, or a short walk can help release that extra energy. Making them do it every couple of hours is great. It helps them focus better afterward.

6. Write (or color) it Out:

Sometimes a child struggles to express their feelings. As a parent you should take care of their mental health too by letting them be expressive.

You might ask, “Should I guide them or let them be creative?”

Letting them be creative! It helps them feel more in control and relaxed.The best advice to handle this situation is to try having them write or color to express themselves. It is one of the common ways for kids to process emotions.

7. Give Them Healthy Snacks:

To make sure your child eats healthy snacks, it would be best to try offering fruits, veggies, or whole grains.

How often should you give them snacks?

It’s often best to give two healthy snacks a day between meals to keep their energy levels up. You can also make it fun by making the plate colorful by including healthy options like different fruits and vegetables and cutting them into various shapes or sizes.

8.Get Outside

Spending time outdoors is great for kids, but most parents are unable to figure out how to make outdoor time a regular part of their child’s routine? However, with a little creativity you can make outdoor time a regular and enjoyable part of your child’s routine.

Running around, playing and immersing themselves in nature will help them rejuvenate and an excellent way to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

So if you are wondering how often you should take your kids outside? As much as possible, because regular outdoor exposure can help them develop a deep appreciation for nature and learn the importance of self-care.

Conclusion

There are many possible ways to teach your child about self-care from a very young age and set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

VPS, one of the renowned daycare in Vedapatti, provides multiple programs that help your child learn and develop essential healthy habits and life skills. Give your child the best start by enrolling them at one of the best kids daycare centers in South India.