Mother’s day is just around the corner, so we want to take this opportunity to remind all the parents out there to take some time out of their busy schedules to practice self care. 

Did you know that on average parents only get about 30 minutes to themselves each day according to a study conducted by Munchery in 2018.  

That is not a lot of “me” time for self-care practices, so how exactly does one make the time for wellness? It can be difficult, but it is not impossible, especially if you take the time to teach your children how to make self care a priority in their lives as well. If you start while they are young, it will provide a foundation for wellness when they get older. 

While it is challenging at first, a home that is focused on family health and wellness will provide long term benefits that will create a ripple effect through the generations.

No matter what age your children are, strengthening their wellness foundations to teach them healthy habits will pay off big time. Leading by example by prioritizing your own wellness with a healthy routine is the first step to building strong foundations. Children often learn by observing their parents, so by taking care of themselves, parents can show their children the importance of self-care.

Being open to change while building new habits can be difficult, so be mindful of how you conduct yourself when faced with challenges, busy schedules and new situations that cause stress. By creating a positive and supportive environment for your family, they will feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking help when needed. We all struggle with making changes, so let your kids know that it is perfectly normal for them to feel overwhelmed. 

Teaching children how to manage and reduce their stress naturally can be a valuable life skill that can help them to feel more resilient and empowered throughout their lives. Here are some strategies that can be helpful in showing children how to lower their stress & build a foundation of wellness include:

• Implement foundational healthy habits: Teach your child to eat a whole foods diet, establish a consistent sleep schedule, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Encourage physical activity: Encourage your child to participate in physical activities such as playing outside, riding bikes, or playing sports. Regular exercise can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation for all ages.
• Teach stress reduction techniques: Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation are all great techniques for reducing stress. Teach your child how to take deep breaths and practice mindfulness exercises. This can help them to feel more calm and centered when they are feeling stressed.
• Practice positive self-talk: Help your child to develop a positive inner voice. Encourage them to say positive things to themselves such as "I can do this" or "I am strong and capable." This can help to build their confidence and resilience.
• Create a calming environment: Make sure your child has a space where they can relax and feel calm. This can be a quiet corner of the house, a cozy chair, or even a tent in their room. Encourage them to spend time in this space when they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your child to develop healthy habits for a lifetime. Self care does not have to be a stressful endeavor or something you “squeeze” into your day. Instead of a chore, make self-care a series of habits that your family shares. This shift will not only help you to make wellness a priority, it will benefit your loved ones for generations to come and create a ripple effect for those in your community. It will also ensure that the precious 30 minutes of “you” time will be spent doing something that fills your cup. 

We hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day!

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