How To Incorporate Your Kids In Your Self-Care

So how do you get your kids involved in your own self-care needs? Because let’s face it, if you can get them involved than at least their interruptions are a bit more controlled. Also it counts as quality family time, right?

Over the years I have tried a bunch of different things, some of which we still do and some of which we only pull out occasionally. Family life changes and so do my needs for an oxygen mask and the needs of what my kids will put up with.

• Foot baths with the girls. It’s pretty simple to set up, especially if it’s warm enough to do outside. I usually pull out all the big mixing bowls, roasting pans, etc. Fill them with nice warm water, maybe some nice essential oils like lavender, maybe some rose petals. Some good river rocks to rub your feet on are nice as well, whatever works best. My girls have always thought this was great fun, just don’t forget the towels to dry your feet off with afterward.
• Hiking. Or going for a walk. Yes it can be a pain in the ass to get them all sorted and together, but once we get going, I almost always feel better, and they usually do to. They can most often be as loud as they want, as boisterous as they want and get all those wiggles and need to run out. This can be done in almost any weather, as long as you are willing to deal with the mess when you get home. Bathes, hot drinks are all once you get home possibilities as well as packing water and/or snacks for the journey. I usually just take water if it’s a neighborhood walk – if it’s a hike then snacks are included for the summit or halfway point.
• Taking a bath. You can give them a bath first and then take one yourself, or let them all pile in with you. This works for showers as well. Depends on your current level of standing being touched, but it can be just the way to connect as well. In the summer going to a local body of water can serve the same function.
• Reading a book. Yes sometimes it would be nice to read something for yourself, but often I can find a children book I can stand to read and can read to them for a while.  And there are some amazing chapter books out there that are better written than some adult novels.
• Watching a movie. Family movie night, afternoon, or all day because you just need it are also possibilities. We also have been known to watch a lot of how to stuff on YouTube or Craftsy as a group as well and at least that feels educational. Speaking of which nature/science and technology documentaries should not be overlooked as well as cooking shows. Thanks to Netflix, and Amazon Prime this can all be done without ads so it doesn’t increase the I Wants. And then of course there are lots of good classic British Whodunnits which usually works no matter the age of your children. When we were cooped up in the middle of the summer dealing with Chicken Pox, everyone got to pick one show to watch and mom got to pick every second or third show so I wouldn’t go mad, for the 72 hours I was physically holding my children.
• Naps. Take them together or let them watch TV while you take one yourself. Set an alarm and tell them they can’t come and bug you before the alarm or timer goes off. We often do lie downs when live get’s overwhelming, you can read, color or listen to an audiobook in your bed with your head on the pillow. Heads on the pillow being required and little to no talking. It gives everyone a break, even if you don’t lie down yourself.
• Nail polish. We have amassed a small collection of Piggy Paint nail polish which is pretty much non-toxic and best of all doesn’t smell. While it won’t lead to perfect painting, letting my kids paint my toes and/or finger nails is something they find grand and I can just sit and be for a few minutes. They also often get together and do each other as well. I find pieces of cardboard for them to put hands and feet on keeps the mess to a minimum.  This could also work for face masks, etc.
• Going to the park. I am not a hover mom or one that necessarily get’s involved at the park much. Beyond pushing you on the swing it’s really up to you to go and have fun. I need to stretch, read my book or listen to an audio book while we are out here in nature absorbing the sun.
• Going for a car ride. This can be a nightmare or it can be relaxing, but no matter how loud your kids are if they are still in booster/car seats at least you know they are safe. Put on a family friendly audio book or some great music and off you go. Usually they come back calmer at the end of it. WE find peppermints and gum essential to ward off car sickness, but really this can be a go to family activity when you’ve had enough of your house.

I hope you find some of these things helpful. I would love to hear how you get some of your self care in while including your kids. This isn’t the only way I get self care in and if it was I am not sure it would always work, but these are great ways to get some extra in!