You’re working hard, take a moment for yourself

Dear parents and caretakers of young children, you’re doing great. Keeping up with everything can be a dizzying task- much like taking care of children under the age of five, as they’re always learning, changing and moving! We’re offering a few ideas on how to take for yourself while simultaneously strengthening your family and supporting your little one’s development.

Tell Your Story

Sharing family experiences, your own challenges and successes, is beneficial in many ways. This kind of storytelling teaches children how to celebrate life’s ups and overcome the downs. It builds self- awareness, helping them understand their own character and feelings, and promotes confidence and well-being. PBS Parents has put together questions to encourage thoughtful answers, lessons for kids 2 to 8, games to play together, self-led activities and printables that are all geared toward building self-awareness.

Just for You

As a caregiver, it is essential to take time for yourself. Even when it seems the days are too full and schedules too busy, it is important to pause and practice self-care as a benefit to you and an example for your child. Some simple exercises include practicing mindfulness and getting enough sleep. Other types of self-care include spending time with friends or family, Facetime or Zoom them if needed, or taking a stroll outside.

Time Together

Modeling self-care activities and sharing stories is also a great bonding tool for your family. Download “The Things We Do Together” worksheet from Sesame Street in Communities to write the story of all that you do together: meals, routines, special moments, whatever you would like. Reading it together weekly will solidify precious memories and build a sense of security for your family.

If crafts are a part of your “things we do together” consider this hedgehog one. We’re pretty sure that hedgehogs are one of the cutest animals out there and this is a great one for kids of all ages. You will need just three items: paper plate, brown paint, and a fork. I Heart Crafty Things has the hedgehog template to get you started. Try it, or one of their other hedgehog themed projects here.