When we think of self-care we often think of ourselves and the individual things we can do to look after our minds and our bodies.
Self-care is no longer a buzz word hitting the headlines but something many of us have taken to heart and actively pursue, especially as parents with limited time on our hands. Self-care for families is equally important. We care for each other and create healthy habits for a healthy and happy home life. We can make simple daily changes as a family to keep stress at bay, and look after our wellbeing.
Here are some tips on how you too can get some more zen into our families as we head into 2021.
Work Together
Households don’t run by themselves and if the grunt work is left to one person, well that’s quite simply not fair. Share the chores not only with the parents but with children too so everyone takes pride in what a well-oiled machine the home is!
Cook Together
Cooking with kids can be a messy business but encouraging an interest in healthy food and how to prepare it will benefit kids long term. Choose healthy alternatives, fruit, vegetables and get creative with how you dish it up.
Crack Out A Board Game
Spending time together as a family is the best way to bond and cement the idea of the family as a loving and caring unit. Whether it’s a tradition of a Saturday night movie, board game nights, or Sunday morning walks together, the routine and enjoyment of quality family time together builds our relationships.
Be Unique
Time apart is also a good way to practice self-care for families at home. To keep a family unit ticking over, understanding that everyone is unique with their own interests and pastimes, shows appreciation, thought and consideration for the needs of each individual member of the family. Not only that, but keeping up with our own different hobbies helps to build our confidence, self-esteem and worth.
Let’s Talk
All families bicker and fight. The important thing to remember is to keep the lines of communication open and know that you can talk to one and other when things get a little rough. Encouraging each other to compromise, understand and relate to each other is an important part of family life. It also gives our kids the understanding that we are all there for each other without judgement, allowing them to be more open about how they feel.
It’s Bedtime!
The kids probably won’t agree that a bedtime routine is a great self-care tool because most kids, younger ones especially, have a terrible fear of missing out. But going to bed at the same time every night helps to regulate our internal clock meaning we sleep better.
