Checking in on Self-Care
While we are home, I am meeting with students in small groups. This week we covered the topic of self-care. Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. How are kids doing in this quarantine situation? Let’s break it down…
Physical Health
I understand things are a little different now. I am not washing my hair everyday and I am wearing a lot of elastic waist bands, lol. But we have to make sure our kids are still taking care of their physical body. It is important that our kids still take the time to clean their bodies and teeth. That they are taking the time to exercise and get some fresh air. And let’s not forget to eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.
Emotional/Mental Health
We have a range of emotions as we practice social distancing. We can go from being happy to being sad, angry or scared. We were made for relationship and now we are limited with who we can spend time with. So how are kids dealing with their emotional health? It is important that our kids are still setting and reaching for goals. By setting goals we are utilizing the frontal part of our brain which is the critical thinking part of the brain instead of the amygdala which deals with emotions. Other things we can do to promote wellbeing with our emotional health is to have kids practice breathing techniques, give them time to be creative and let them know it is okay for them to ask for help.
Social Health
Like I’ve said earlier, being quarantined is tough because we are not able to socialize anymore. So, take your child’s social health temperature. Make sure that as a family you are playing together not just in the same room on devices. Also, it sounds simple but have conversations. If you are having a difficult time thinking of topics try “Would you rather….” topics you can find on the internet.
Attached, is a worksheet for you to fill out with your child. It is a great starting point to see where you are doing great and where you might need some attention.
Ms. Steph, M.Ed
