Your children need Self-Care too

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Guest post by Anya Willis

Today’s kids have a lot more on their plate than their parents or grandparents did. Technology has helped them to connect to the world in ways we could never have imagined. But that comes with a price, too, since they seldom have downtime. They are always connected, always busy because having all that content and connections in the palm of their hand is almost irresistible. It’s a double-edged sword that is overwhelming many of them.

Find Fun Activities That Help the Whole Family Unwind

• If your children are carrying a lot of stress, it’s up to you as their parent to help them learn how to reduce that. It starts at home, where you and your family spend most of your time, so be mindful about putting your kids first, no matter how busy your days become. Carve out time to connect with your kids and do something fun, and look for opportunities to make memories together.

• Good old-fashioned board games like Monopoly and Scrabble never go out of style, but the store shelves are filled with a lot more your kids might want to try instead. Take them to your local Target or WalMart, and let them pick out one or two so they’ll be more likely to enjoy your family game night.

• A family outing to a ball game is something everyone can enjoy. Either go to your local stadium or turn it into a weekend getaway if you don’t have a local team.

• Outdoor activities are the ultimate unplugging family activities. National and state parks offer family passes and have designated free-pass days throughout the year. If you don’t want to invest in all the camping gear you’ll need for extended camping trips, AFAR notes that it’s possible to rent a lot of the more expensive items like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear.

• Set up some fun and exciting art and crafts projects for your kids. You can even take the fun outdoors! That allows kids to get messy with their work, plus they can connect with nature. It’s a win in all regards.

Create a Stress-Free Home

When your home is a stress-free zone, it’s not only good for them, it’s good for you too. If you find your family is arguing too much, that the kids are whining and complaining unreasonably, your home could be one of the reasons it’s happening. Try some of these tips to get rid of any bad vibes in your house that can be causing problems.

• Get rid of clutter. It may take a day or a couple of weekends to get rid of the things that you no longer need and are just taking up space. If you let the kids participate and even offer to hold a yard sale where they can set the price on the things they want to sell, it’s more likely they’ll want to finally part with that video game they no longer play.

• Take the family out for a plant-buying trip. Let the kids choose the one they’ll want to be responsible for. HGTV points out that plants are a great way to teach responsibility and allow them to have a non-virtual project that is theirs alone.

• Gear up and go on the road for a Sunday drive. Trusted reviews help you buy with confidence, whether you bring along a wagon to tote kids through a local park or need a backpack to stash their favorite toys and snacks.

• Going to the library together is a way to remind you of how much they were important to you when you were young and a chance to introduce them to all that libraries have to offer besides books, which they may be reading on electronic devices. While you’re there, check out a book on how to decorate using the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui. Shop for some crystals and let them choose one based on the energy they give off.

• Bring your lawn to life and with healthy green grass, and encourage the kids to play in the yard. A carpet of green is easier on knees and joints during rough-and-tumble activities, plus it’s a great way to avoid dirt and mud when the kiddos really get playing hard. If you haven’t done so for a while, aerating the lawn works wonders. Look for aeration companies near me and check trusted reviews to hire the right contractor for the job. Make sure you talk with at least a few pros, and get any pricing information in writing.

Model Stress-Free Living at Work and Home

Get rid of your own stressors. If you’re stressed at work, it’s almost a certainty that you’re letting that stress filter down to your children. Here are some ideas for reducing workplace stress:

• If you have a project looming that you’re procrastinating getting to, tell yourself you’re only going to spend five minutes on it. Those five minutes may be just what you need to show you that you can do it. If not, at least you’ve got five minutes of that chore done.

• Take time to stop and eat and drink. Keep healthy snacks nearby to boost your energy levels and keep you from crazing coffee and sugar in the mid-afternoon.

Follow these tips to prioritize your kids and guide them on their self-care routine, and don’t forget to take care of yourself at the same time!

sourced by Anya Willis:

Anya Willis is a mother of three and has been a yoga instructor for the past 12 years. For most of her childhood Anya struggled with her weight. She was a bookworm since the moment she could read, and had zero interest in physical activity. In school, she was bullied because of her weight, and it wasn’t until she took a yoga class in college that things started to change. She fell in love with how yoga used her whole body and mind. For Anya this was the catalyst she needed, she found a new interest in her physical health and started striving for a healthier life. Reflecting on her younger years, Anya became passionate about kids being active and healthy.

Learn more by visiting Anya at https://fitkids.info/

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