Teaching Children the Importance of Self Care

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Self-care is vital at any age. And while many of us adults will have found ways to incorporate self-care into our routines, we might not necessarily know how to encourage self-care in our kids.

These tips will help you support your child in building physical, mental, and emotional practices to create a foundation for lifelong self-care.

 Teaching Children the Importance of Self Care

1. Start with Physical Well-being

Self-care for children begins with establishing healthy physical habits, such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. However, most parents will agree that this is often easier said than done!

Starting with the basics can give your child a good grounding, so instead of worrying about the foods your child won’t eat or how early they wake up, try to focus on the bigger picture. For example, by creating a healthy bedtime routine, and incorporating as many different fruits and vegetables as you can into your family’s diet.

Knowing how much physical activity your child should be aiming for, and finding ways to build exercise into your routine establishes it as something normal and enjoyable. Family walks, bike rides or a trip to your local swimming pool are all good places to start.

Good hygiene is also key to self-care. Having a daily routine of washing, dressing and teeth brushing not only encourages independence and boosts self-esteem but can also help to improve their overall health.

If your child needs encouragement, you might try sticker-charts or use timers for teeth brushing. Opt for milder mint or fun-flavoured toothpastes and address any skin concerns with skincare made for kids.

Tip: Start with small routines. For instance, teach young kids to wash their face and hands before bed, or encourage them to do “deep belly breaths” if they feel overwhelmed

2. Encourage Emotional Expression and Resilience

Helping children recognise and express their emotions is a vital part of self-care and helps kids grow into adults who are able to access their feelings without being overwhelmed by them.

For young children, this might be as simple as helping them to recognise and name their emotions as they happen. It’s also important to reassure children that all emotions are normal and healthy and that even the ones that don’t always feel good, like anger and sadness, can help us understand ourselves and others better.

You could also suggest using age-appropriate activities like journaling, art, and music to help children express their emotions and develop greater emotional awareness and resilience.

Tip: Create a safe space by having regular “feelings check-ins” where children can share how they’re feeling without judgment. Ask questions like, “What made you happy today?” or “Was there anything that made you feel worried?”

3. Model Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Introduce children to basic mindfulness practices early on so that they become a standard go-to in times of stress. Parents can encourage relaxation techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery or even try family meditation together to show how important self-care is, and the benefits that being mindful and present can bring.

Tip: Designate a “quiet time” during the day where they can read, listen to calming music, or simply relax. This helps kids learn the value of slowing down and taking a break.

4. Foster Positive Social Connections

Teaching children the value of connecting with others through empathy and kindness supports their social well-being. This can make it easier for them to forge and maintain friendships as they grow, and to feel that they are a valued member of their community and society as a whole.

Share family activities and household chores to encourage children to participate in daily life from an early age. Visiting wider family and friends or keeping in touch in other ways is also a great way to show the importance of social connection. This might mean sleepovers with grandparents, virtual get-togethers with loved ones who live further away or even writing letters or postcards.

Encourage your child to foster and nurture their own friendships. This could be through playgroups, school, or extracurricular activities, or with friends made in the local park or neighbourhood. This will help them identify and develop positive relationships, as well as learn how to navigate conflict and disagreements, which are all essential life skills and important for building resilience and healthy self-esteem.

5. Make Self-Care Fun and Engaging

Self-care doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be something children look forward to. Introduce them to activities that allow them to unwind and enjoy themselves. Whether it’s a creative activity like drawing, dancing to their favorite songs, or doing a few yoga poses, self-care should feel like a positive experience.

Tip: Have a “self-care day” each week where you and your child pick a fun, relaxing activity to do together. This could be a family movie night, a DIY spa day with face masks, or even cooking a healthy meal together.

6. Teach the Value of Personal Boundaries

Learning to set boundaries is an essential part of self-care, even for children. Teach them that it’s okay to say no if they’re tired or uncomfortable. Encourage them to tell you or another trusted adult if they need help, if they feel unsafe, or if something doesn’t feel right.

Tip: Let children know that they can ask for space if they need alone time. Model this behavior by explaining when you need a quiet moment yourself, so they understand boundaries are a natural part of healthy relationships.

7. Create a Self-Care Toolkit for Kids

A “self-care toolkit” is a collection of items and activities that help children feel safe, relaxed, and happy. This could include a favorite book, a journal, art supplies, or calming music. When kids feel stressed, they can turn to their toolkit as a resource for self-soothing and relaxation.

Let your child personalize their toolkit. Help them pick items that make them feel happy and calm, and encourage them to use it whenever they need a moment to reset.

Final Thoughts on
Teaching Children the Importance of Self Care

Teaching children self-care is about giving them the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and self-compassion. By starting these practices early, you’re setting them up for a healthier, happier future. Remember, self-care isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s an ongoing journey that evolves as they grow. So take it one step at a time, and celebrate each small milestone along the way as your child learns to care for themselves in every way that matters.

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