I made a really good decision as a parent today! I know, I know, it’s my job to be making – REALLY GOOD DECISIONS – all the time, but this one feels PRETTY PERFECT. It’s also my inspiration for 3 self care ideas for kids.
Kids’ Needs and Self Care
My son is strong willed, persistent, sensitive and sometimes anxious.
Add lots of one-on-one time lately and both of us are feeling tired of managing and being managed.
We need a mental break, and, unfortunately, our weekend plans with my husband got interrupted because of covid.
(Have you had a covid breaking point? Read about “MY COVID BREAKING POINT” )
My Pretty Perfect Decision
And that brings me to Sunday.
My son’s “happy place” is any science and nature museum. He’s 6-years-old and regularly requests visits to the Fairbanks, Fernbank, Montshire and the Natural History Museum.
As we’re cruising down Interstate 91 to get to the Montshire and we’re both tapping our hands to the rhythm of classic Christmas tunes, I know we’re on our way to a great day.
His Happy Place
Once there, we explore the frogs, fish and ants, jam out on the drums and accordion, and giggle our way through air and motion exhibits.
It’s an easy two hours and we still have the outdoor area to explore.
As we walk down toward the hiking trails, we run into the whisper dishes. You stand forty feet apart and whisper to the other person.
There I am, quiet and waiting. Then, I hear the magic confirmation of my decision to come to the museum, in a whisper, from my son 40 feet behind me:
“Mama, thank you for bringing us to the Montshire Museum.”
So, now I know, his soul is full and so is mine!
Self Care is a Conscious Decision
Often, it takes a real conscious effort to help your child with self care.
- Say to yourself, “I will say ‘yes’ as often as I can.”
- Decide to have your child play outside to calm their worry.
- Choose to be in their space without managing them.
Here’s how I know that the effort to think about self care ideas for kids is worth it:
I offer to buy my son a dinosaur at the gift shop. He is thrilled!
As we’re walking back toward the museum, he says:
“You don’t need to buy me a dinosaur, this is my gift. Being here is my gift.”
Truly,
Julie
Your. Soulful. Spaces.
“Our soul is like a soft and gentle flower, it needs to be nurtured, cared for, tended to, with sufficient sunlight, fresh air and freedom to bloom into its most precious and beautiful form. This, my friend, is self-love.”
Miya Yamanouchi/Author
So very wise. Love your suggestions.
Thank you! I feel like as a parent I’m only as wise as the moment that I’m in and handling!
I love this!. While talking with a co-teacher yesterday,she mentioned that I always do such fun things all the time with my daughter, I told her that I take advantage of these opportunities of saying yes so that she can find her happy place where ever she ends up going in life. As I believe her happy place is so much more than a place.
Thank you! I love how you see the life lesson as so much bigger than one day or one activity – I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes it all the more important for me to do with my guy! I’m doing some soul searching about something right now and I needed to hear this to help me discern what the best answer is. I love sharing this space with you!