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4 Important Reasons For Teaching Kids The Value Of Self-Care

July 30, 2021

The value of self-care is undeniable, especially these days when both physical and mental stress can become overwhelming at times.

Self-care is the process of actively taking care of oneself to maintain overall health and well-being. While the practice of self-care maybe different from person to person, the effect is to create a positive impact on one’s physical, emotional, and even spiritual aspects.

Teaching kids the importance of self-care
Photo by Madison Inouye from Pexels

4 Important Reasons For Teaching Kids The Value Of Self-Care

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    Sanofi’s “Power To Love Yourself Completely” online event


    I recently had the opportunity to attend Sanofi Philippines’ Instagram live event dubbed “Power to Love Yourself Completely.” This event was organized in celebration of the International Self-Care Day and tackled topics related to self-care.

    Sanofi's Power to Love Yourself self-care event

    The Instagram live event guested MommaNManila founder Michelle Aventajado and She Talks Asia Co-Founder and CEO Lynn Pinugo, who both shared their valuable insights about self-care and how they personally practice it, how to teach kids about self-care, and how those who are working from home can take care of themselves.

    Furthermore, consistent with the Global Self-Care Federation’s theme, #SelfCarePromise, the event encouraged participants to share their self-care promises online. In doing so, the event inspired the attendees to make the first step in consciously caring for themselves even in the smallest of ways.

    An important part of Sanofi’s panata is to promote a well-rounded approach to health, and encouraging other people to regularly do self-care is a part of this.

    “We need to realize that self-care in itself is the goal. Not just for others, but just for yourself,” Jill Ong-Lim, Group Brand Manager of Sanofi Consumer Healthcare shared,

    Janeena Chan, who moderated the discussion, shared her own take when it comes to self-care. “Your reality is shaped within your mind, so as long as you know that you can get back up again, you’ll be okay.”

    Self-care vs. self-soothing


    In the event, I also learned about the concept of self-soothing, a notion that is slightly different from self-care.

    Self-soothing techniques are quick exercises that we do when we are not feeling well. Lynn Pinugo expounds on this topic: “Self-soothing are those emergency routines that we do when we’re feeling bad, while self-care are the things that you do so you build emotional agility. For self-care, it’s the things you do so you don’t gas out, it’s more for the long term.”

    Self-care doesn’t need to be fancy


    For mom-of-four Michelle Aventajado, self-care can be anything simple. “Self-care can be so many things. For me, it’s waking up early enough and having quiet time for myself, reading my bible, and drinking coffee. For me, it’s to rest when I’m tired, stop when I’m overwhelmed, pause, and reflect. And when my kids see me doing that, I’m setting an example.”

    Teaching kids the value of self-care


    It’s important for kids to know the value of self-care and I believe we can start them early on even as toddlers. 

    International Self-Care Day

    In fact, the moment that children can understand simple instructions, we can already start teaching them simple self-care habits such as wiping their mouth, cleaning their hands and face with a soft cloth, dressing up, and even packing away their toys after they have finished playing.

    Here are some reasons why teaching kids to take care of themselves can be beneficial for them:

    1. They will learn to be independent


    Most parents would want their kids to be babies as long as possible. We are like that, too, but the reality is that they will grow up. When that inevitable time comes, it’s best that they’d know how to take care of themselves independently. I guess that will also help them to grow up to be responsible individuals.

    2. They will know how to take control of their emotions


    Personally, I think kids who know the value of caring for themselves will be able to take control of their emotions better. That’s because when they feel bad or if they don’t feel that they are at their best, they can find ways or diversions that can help improve their overall mood.

    3. They will be more in tune with their needs


    Individuals who know how to take care of themselves are fully aware of what they need, both mentally and physically, to achieve the level of wellness that they desire.

    4. They will be able to handle challenging situations better


    Lastly, I think one important positive effect of self-care is during challenging situations. When a person knows how to take care of themselves, they can gauge when it’s time for them to pause, relax for a while, assess the situation, and carry on with a renewed energy to cope with life's challenges.

    Again, it’s important if we can impart the significance of self-care to our children and the best way to do this is to lead by example.

    Epilogue


    Self-care is especially important these days when the pandemic is taking its toll on our physical and mental well-being. By actively taking care of ourselves, we save ourselves from the possibility of being burned out.

    Sanofi Philippines encourages everyone to make their own self-care promises via selfcarepromise.org and share them on Instagram, tagging @sanofi.ph, with the hashtags #SelfCarePromise, #ISCD21, and #HealthierPhilippines.

    Watch the event video here.

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    The importance of self-care
    Photo by Madison Inouye from Pexels

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    17 comments

    1. Definitely! What a great topic that we don't always see for kids. They need self care too.

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    2. Self care is vital. It is good to introduce it to kids while they are still young. I like the reasons that you have listed why it's important and I agree with you.
      This self-care promises of Sanofi Philippines is good. I think I should have some promise too.

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    3. I absolutely love this! We always talk about self-care for adults, but I don't think we'd have to talk about it so much if we simply taught our children about taking care of their mental and emotional health from a young age.

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    4. It is important for kids to learn the value of self care from a young age. It is not that hard to teach, simply take care of yourself.

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    5. I love the value you have outlined in teaching our kids self-care. Especially the point of independence. As well as being able to handle situations in life. Thanks for sharing!

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    6. Very good article. Yes we need to care ourself. Self-care is so important part of our life and we need to apply it. Thanks for sharing with us

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    7. talagang worth it to read ito and napakahalaga na maturuan natin ang mga kids natin ng value of self care para hanggat bata pa lang sila ay alam na nila na dapat alagaan ang mga sarili 🥰

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    8. I agree the self-care is really important especially these days when the pandemic is taking its toll on our physical and mental well-being. By actively taking care of ourselves, we save ourselves from the possibility of being burned out. Its really important to teach our kids about taking care of themselves as early as possible because this is really benefits for them too.

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    9. I couldn't agree more. I think more kids should be being taught about self-care and at a younger age! It's so important for our own development and wellbeing.

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    10. I love the idea of teaching children self care! As a child, I wasn't really taught to value my own needs, so I had to struggle with the concept as an adult.

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    11. Self-care is a big deal nowadays.. I always tell my girls that if some things are making them feel uncomfy, it's ok to just leave it..

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    12. Self-care is extremely important now during these uncertain times. If we don't put ourselves first, we can't take care of anyone else.

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    13. This is so so important to teach our children! And not just for those going through puberty, either. Simple basic hygiene is a great basis and then grow from there.

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    14. Great article! I learned more about self-care vs. self-soothing! So nice. Very informative!

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    15. Thankyou for sharing this daddy ivan.. Yess po yun din naman ang pinaka importante sa lahat na kailangan nating alagaan ang ating sarili..At napaka din po talaga na turuan narin po natin ang mga kids natin kung gaano kahalaga ang pag aalaga sa ating sarili hanggat bata pa lamang sila..

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    16. It just can't be said enough...we all need to take care of ourselves, now more than ever before! It is not selfish of us to do so and is rather, beneficial for everyone!

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    17. This is such an important topic to discuss with the kids and self care is something they need to learn and do.

      ReplyDelete