What Happens When Kids See Us Take Care of Ourselves?
I’ll never forget the day I caught myself rushing through dinner, dishes, and laundry—exhausted, drained, and on edge. My son looked up at me and asked, “Mom, are you okay?”
It was such a small question, but it hit me hard. I realized he was watching—not just my words, but how I treated myself.
That night, instead of pushing through more chores, I sat down with a cup of tea, let the dishes wait, and invited him to sit with me. He smiled and said, “We’re relaxing now?”
In that moment, I understood something important: our kids learn how to treat themselves by watching how we treat ourselves.
When we show them rest, care, and balance—we’re not just helping ourselves, we’re giving them a gift for life.
Why This Matters
Kids are always observing. They notice when we speak kindly to ourselves, when we take breaks, when we make space for joy, and when we honor our limits. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s modeling resilience, emotional intelligence, and compassion for the next generation.
5 Easy Insight Steps to Show Kids What Self-Care Looks Like
1. Say It Out Loud
When you’re taking care of yourself, name it. “I’m drinking water because my body needs it.” “I’m going for a walk to help my brain feel calm.”
👉 Why: Kids connect the action with the reason. It normalizes self-care as necessary, not optional.
2. Let Them See You Rest
Instead of powering through exhaustion, take a 10-minute break. Put your feet up, stretch, or sit quietly.
👉 Why: Children need to see that rest is not laziness—it’s strength.
3. Involve Them in Small Rituals
Light a candle, stretch together, water the plants, or make tea. Invite your child to join in little calming practices.
👉 Why: They learn that caring for themselves can be simple and joyful.
4. Model Healthy Boundaries
It’s okay to say, “I need 5 minutes” or “I can’t play right now, but I will after I finish this.”
👉 Why: Kids understand that honoring limits doesn’t mean rejecting love—it means creating balance.
5. Celebrate Effort, Not Perfection
When you try something—like going for a short walk, journaling, or cooking a healthy meal—acknowledge it in front of your kids. “I’m proud I took care of myself today, even if it wasn’t perfect.”
👉 Why: They learn self-care is about progress, not pressure.
A Loving Message to Squish
Squish, one day you’ll be grown and making choices for yourself. My hope is that you’ll remember how we paused for rest, how we spoke gently to ourselves, and how we didn’t let exhaustion steal our joy. I want you to know that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it’s also about slowing down, asking for help, and treating yourself with kindness. If you can carry that lesson, I’ll know I’ve done something right.
5 Amazon Finds to Support Self-Care for Parents
(Affiliate disclosure: This post uses affiliate links, and we may make money if you click and purchase—at no extra charge to you. Every product is something we believe in and use in our own home.)
A Guided Journal for Busy Parents – Simple prompts to help you reflect in just a few minutes a day.
Essential Oil Diffuser – Calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus can help signal your body it’s time to rest.
Cozy Weighted Blanket – A small investment in better sleep and deeper relaxation.
Hydration Tracking Water Bottle – Makes it easier to remember to care for your body, and kids love seeing you use it.
Mindful Breathing Cards for Kids and Parents – Fun ways to model breathing and calming together.
Mindful Final Thought
Taking care of ourselves is not just about us. It’s a mirror for our kids, teaching them that they are worthy of rest, compassion, and balance too.
You don’t need hours, fancy routines, or perfection—just small, consistent moments that show your child: this is how we love ourselves.
So today, I invite you to take one tiny act of care—for you, and for the little eyes watching.
