Inspiring Self-Care Aspirations in Teens and Tweens

Older kids and teens are not really enthusiastic about slowing down. Because of this, they often get worn out and can have a physical or mental crash. Pressure from school, extracurricular activities, and friends can intensify these downward swings, making it difficult to find the energy to get back up. But, through self-care, your children can stay the course and be prepared for all that lies ahead. Today’s blog is just one of many great resources brought to you by Matraea Centre.

Certain aspects of self-care aren’t avoidable. We all sleep, eat, and form relationships. Still, others must be taught and modeled, even if they seem like common sense. Fortunately, the lessons are easy to teach, and, in learning, your children will gain the confidence they need to seamlessly segue into adulthood.

Teaching Self-Care Means Teaching About the Real World

Three things to make a priority when it comes to your teen and older children are money management, spotting dangerous situations, and how to handle basic personal hygiene. Giving an allowance offers a small taste of life as a working adult, allowing them to assume and follow through with recurrent responsibilities. Talking about dangerous people, perhaps adults that ask your child to keep a secret with them, will help your children spot red flags and know when to reach out to a trusted adult. Hygiene, specifically wearing deodorant, showering, and keeping their hair clean, will keep them from drawing unnecessary attention to themselves. Each of these lessons, when taught correctly, allow room for mistakes in a judgment-free zone.

But Self-Care Is Also Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Self-care is also made up of the things we do each day to keep our bodies well. Eating, staying active, and steering clear of substances, such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, that don’t belong in our bodies are three examples. Teaching your children to eat well starts with you, and it starts in the kitchen. When your children have an opportunity to prepare foods with you, they’re more likely to try a variety of foods (asparagus, anyone?) that they might not be willing to otherwise. You can also encourage healthy exercise habits by getting out in the afternoons and playing with them, swimming, or walking through the neighborhood. If you smoke or have more than a few alcoholic beverages each week, now is also a great time to evaluate your own healthy choices. Partnership To End Addiction notes that kids whose parents smoke are more likely to do the same in their teen and adult years.

Indulgences Are a Form of Self-Care, Too

Kids should also be taught that self-care can look like an indulgence. A monthly massage, nightly bubble bath, or yearly vacation are all excellent ways to wind down. Your teenager might enjoy a massage every once in a while, especially if they play sports. Bubble baths are something that can be enjoyed at any age, and there are many great products that work well for adults and children alike. When your entire family needs to break from reality, a long weekend vacation might be just the self-care indulgence you need to reset, refresh, and move forward. Some experts believe that eight days on vacation produces optimum happiness.

Things That Are Not Self-Care

Finally, if you’re going to teach your children about self-care, you have to talk about things that are self-harm. Overeating, giving up sleep, and following along with negative influences are all issues you should maintain an openness about with your children from the time they are old enough to understand. There is nothing wrong with the occasional pizza binge that requires you to unbutton your pants; however, overeating regularly can lead to heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, and depression, according to Keck Medicine of USC. Finally, make sure your children understand when friendships are healthy and when they are not. A healthy friendship will be full of compromise, laughter, and mutual interests where an unhealthy (or even toxic) relationship will leave your child feeling mentally and physically depleted and may even get them in trouble if they choose to follow the bad decisions of the crowd.

Our children deserve the best start we can give them, and modeling and encouraging healthy self-care behaviors are part of this. The tips above can help you help your children. Talk to your pediatrician if you need additional advice.

Located in the Cowichan Valley of Vancouver Island, The Matraea Centre is a multi-disciplinary collective of health professionals ready for you and your family.

Gratefully acknowledging the submission by Emily Graham | emily@mightymoms.net

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