For many of us, learning how to nurture, look after, and care for ourselves is an ongoing challenge. We may not have learned how to do it as children and may have instead learned how to give and do for other people to the point that we are neglecting ourselves. As we are learning how to care for ourselves as adults, however, we can try to send a different message to our children and we can teach them about self-care too.
I found with my children that there were two main components to teaching them about self-care—one was to model my own self-care for them to see and experience, and the other was to give them permission to take care of themselves and not always have to be concerned about other people. This might sound selfish, but as I was brought up in a world where I was encouraged to give up, give in and share my time and possessions to the point of NOT taking care of myself, I wanted my children to learn that while it is important to be generous, considerate and share, they did not need to do it at their own peril.
Showing our children that we can say “no” and make personal decisions that display self-love and self-care is an incredibly important lesson to share. I also think that we can teach our children over time how to listen to what their bodies and minds are telling them—when they need more rest, when they need healthy food or quiet time, etc. As parents, we can watch out for passing on some of those co-dependent lessons we might have learned in our lives and instead teach our children how to nurture, care for, and appreciate themselves in order to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Also: Self-Care can be in the Details
Treated Well in Front of the Kids