From Cucumbers to Lavender:
Easy Ways to Help Your Child Relax and Unwind
As parents and caregivers, we often focus on the physical health of our children, making sure they eat well and get enough exercise. However, it's also important to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing. Even young children can experience stress and anxiety, so it's essential to teach them self-care practices that can help them relax and feel more calm and centered. One fun and easy way to do this is by introducing them to spa treatments like cucumber over closed eyes and soaking feet.
Cucumber over closed eyes is a simple and effective way to soothe tired and stressed eyes. It's easy to do - just cut a few slices of cucumber and place them over your child's closed eyes for a few minutes. The coolness of the cucumber can help reduce puffiness and dark circles, and the scent can be very calming and relaxing.
Another great self-care practice for children is soaking feet. This is especially helpful after a long day of running and playing. Fill a basin with warm water and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Then, invite your child to soak their feet in the warm water while you read them a story or sing them a lullaby. This can be a great way to wind down before bedtime and encourage a restful night's sleep.
Of course, these spa treatments are just a few examples of the many self-care practices that can benefit children. Encouraging your child to take breaks throughout the day to stretch and breathe deeply, or to spend time in nature, can also help them feel more relaxed and centred.
At nursery and preschool, it's important to create an environment that supports relaxation and personal wellbeing. This might include providing a quiet space for children to retreat to when they need a break, or incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines. You could also consider offering spa-themed activities, like making homemade face masks or giving each other hand massages.
In summary, introducing children to self-care practices like spa treatments can help them learn to manage stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and personal wellbeing. Whether cucumber over closed eyes, soaking feet, or another activity altogether, taking the time to prioritise our children's mental health and wellbeing is always a good idea.
Here are some useful links for parents to access for more information about relaxation and personal wellbeing for children:
The NHS website offers advice on mental health and wellbeing for children, including relaxation techniques and self-care practices: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/
There are many techniques children can use to reduce their stress and relax. Try teaching your child one or two of the following techniques to help them relax during times of stress. https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/top-10-relaxation-techniques-for-children
Our products, classes and trainings aim to help parents, teachers (and professionals working with children) support the mental health and wellbeing of young people, so they can navigate life feeling calm, confident and creative and lit up from within. https://relaxkids.com
The National Autistic Society website provides information and resources for parents of children with autism, including strategies for promoting relaxation and wellbeing: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance
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