How to teach children to self care and not think bad or negative about their personality and appearances?

Here are some ways to teach children self-care and build their self-esteem:

Self-Care:

Model healthy habits:

Children learn best by example. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Talk openly about your own self-care practices. But remember you can’t impose on your kids anything until and unless you are practicing them yourself.

Basic needs first:

Teach them about healthy eating, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. Empower them with age-appropriate tasks like refilling their water bottle or picking out healthy snacks. Avoid munching on junk food whenever they are starving. Remember to take a protein based diet.

Mindfulness for kids:

Simple practices like deep breathing or short meditations can help them manage stress and strong emotions. There are many children’s books and apps that introduce mindfulness in a fun way. Another, easiest way for all of us and especially for kids: whenever they are waiting for the school bus or ride to school they can do a breathing exercise, because at morning hours air is still cleaner.

Movement matters:

Encourage physical activity through play, walk or sports.. Exercise is a great mood booster and helps manage stress.

Downtime is essential:

Schedule breaks throughout the day for quiet activities like reading, coloring, or spending time in nature. This allows them to recharge and avoid burnout.

Building Self-Esteem:

Positive affirmations:

Help them identify their strengths and positive qualities. Encourage them to give themselves positive self-talk using phrases like “I am brave,” or “I am a good friend.” Children can do this every day, by standing in front of mirror to tell themselves, “Yes I can do”

Focus on effort:

Praise their effort and hard work over just achievement. This teaches them that their value isn’t tied to winning or getting perfect scores, but also for learning. Which is more important. Because what they learn today will be with them throughout their lives but what they have to do forcefully will be automatically wiped away from their lives later-on.

Celebrate differences:

Help them appreciate their unique qualities and talents. Talk about how everyone has different strengths and that’s what makes us special. As parents, do not underestimate their efforts, even if they are weak in anything.

Limit screen time:

Excessive media exposure can negatively impact body image. Encourage other activities that promote self-discovery and creativity. Especially social media and most of the influencers’ fake life inspires them, which in early age it’s difficult for them to understand the setbacks of adapting their lives.

Open communication:

Create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Listen openly and validate their emotions. Give them open communication space, try to understand them and make them understand you.

By incorporating these practices, you can help your child develop a healthy sense of self-care and build resilience against negativity

Building Self-Esteem in Children: Self-Care & Positive Thinking