10 Self-Care Activities You Can Do WITH Your Child(ren)

You’re doing an amazing job taking care of all the little people who depend on you, but are you taking the time to take care of yourself?

Now we’re not talking about some elaborate self-care routines that are riddled with spa visits & massages, but the basics. Are you getting a chance to shower? Are you getting time to decompress? Are you meeting the same needs you ensure are met for your child, but for yourself?

If you’re anything like us, chances are that you’ve let your needs slip a little bit on the list of priorities. You know that it’s important but how can you take care of yourself when you feel so overwhelmed and busy with taking care of your children?

Well, we’re hoping to help you here!

Today we’re giving you suggestions for 10 self-care activities you can do WITH your children, so you don’t have to worry about finding the time to take care of you, too.

1. Drink water, LOTS of water!: We all need about 2L (64oz) of water a day, and MORE if you’re breastfeeding! Water has so many benefits including but not limited to: lubricating joints, delivering oxygen throughout your body, boosting skin health, regulating your body temperature and internal functions, and makes minerals and vitamins more readily available for your body. This is an easy one, just set a reminder and get that water in between feeds, books, or tea parties!

2. Move your body: Get your body moving so you can benefit from the endorphins your body releases, which are an instant mood booster! There are so many options on what you can do to get moving. Put on a mom and baby yoga video (hello youtube!), have a dance party with your toddlers, or just get the carrier or stroller out and go for a walk.

3. Plan your meals for the next week: Planning your meals is the best way to ensure success when trying to eat a balanced and healthy diet! Take the guesswork out of your day-to-day and stop hoping you have exactly what you need for the recipe you find on pinterest and just do it in advance! If you have toddlers at home get them to help you by printing pictures of the meals you enjoy regularly and have them help you to stick them on an oversized calendar!

4. Eat your fruits and vegetables: We know, it’s easier to reach for the less healthy snack options and our tired bodies actually crave the not so good for you food, but eating your fruits and vegetables is the best way to get your little ones to do the same! Children follow the behaviour we model to them! Plus, if your child is eating table foods, you’re already working veggies into your daily meal offerings anyway, so eat up!

5. Go outside: Did you know that being outside for just 10 minutes can boost your mood? The more you are outside, the more energized you will feel and the more you will move your body. The sun's rays give you beneficial vitamin D and looking at green growing, things can lower your stress - and baby's! Go to the park, play in the backyard, or hit a new trail with your kiddies.

6. Facetime a friend: This is such an easy way to feel socially reconnected to your village, even on days where you can’t get out of the house with your little ones. Facetime is great because it allows you an opportunity to include your children in the conversation and helps them to stay in touch with the big people who love them too!

7. Play with your kids: Let everything go and engage in that super fun play that gets everyone laughing. Whether it’s playing hide and seek, or observing their creative play, or just enjoying their company, it’s important to really enjoy the time with them and let yourself be present and just play. Don’t worry about everything else that needs to be done (at least for a small part of the day) and just enjoy the time!

8. Set loving limits: Limits are such a huge sign of self-love! When we lovingly set these limits for our little ones we are not only modeling self-love and not self sacrifice, but we are also setting the boundaries our little ones need to feel safe and secure. You can set limits for things that are no longer working for you or your family to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.

9. Unplug: There are so many great things about being able to be connected with the outside world in the palms of our hands, but when was the last time you unplugged and just really enjoyed the people and things around you? Take a little bit of time to put away the devices and focus on the connection with your family. Take 30 minutes unplugged, or the whole weekend!

10. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for: Pick 3 things that have happened in the past 24 hours that you’re grateful for and write them down. They can be big things or little things! Taking time out of your day to focus on the good parts of your life can instantly change your perspective, especially on the harder days.

So there you have it! 10 self-care activities you can do on any day WITH your children!

Can you commit to putting yourself on the list this week? You'll be so glad you did!

Categories: : Motherhood, Parenting, Self-Care