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Self Care
Self-care is important. A little "you time" goes a long way!
When you take time to care for yourself, you are better able to care for your child. Even a few minutes of “you time” can help you to recharge so that you can parent at your best. Stress causes wear and tear on a person, inside and out. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Stay Social. There will be times when you need to spend more time at home. That can take a toll. Reach out to loved ones and friends with a phone call or video chat. Keeping your distance from others doesn’t mean you need to go it alone.
- Sleep. When your little one lays down to rest, try to do the same. If he’s having trouble settling down, sing him a quiet song that you loved when you were small (one that calms you down, too).
- Use water to relax. As you’re bathing your child, soak your hands in the warm water and give yourself a little hand massage, taking long deep breaths as you do so.
- Keep a journal by your bed. Before you fall asleep, remember something funny, kind, or surprising that your child did today. Write a few lines that capture the memory. If you are feeling stressed or down, you can read through your memory journal.
- Fill your cup: Get a glass of water and find a comfy spot to sit. Let your child know, “I’m just going to sit and (read/think/breathe) while I drink this glass of water.” Explain that you’ll be available once the glass is empty. Children have difficulty keeping track of time, and this is a concrete way to help them understand you’re taking a few minutes to yourself.
- Turn on the tunes! Never underestimate the power of music to change the mood. Put together a playlist of songs that make you feel good. You might create different playlists for different moods (one to relax, one to energize, and so on).
- Get moving. Taking movement breaks throughout the day can help alleviate stress and keep you well. Even if you’re stuck inside, try a few small-space, body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, and arm-raises.
![Two adults drinking coffee.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Packard_Article_ParentsCareGiversTalk-667x500.jpg)
Communicating with Parents and Caregivers Around Routines
An article offering strategies for communication with parents/caregivers.
![A family playing tic-tac-toe.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Packard_Article_StructuredPlay-667x500.jpg)
Shaping an Engaging Learning Environment
Your space is full of opportunities for children to learn and grow!
![A parent and child holding Autumn leaves.](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Packard_Article_Routine-667x500.jpg)
Planning Our Days: Creating Schedules for Children
Planning ahead can help you be intentional about the learning of the children in your care!
![First/Then Board Printable](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FirstThenBoard-ENG-667x500.jpg)
“First/Then” Boards: Managing Daily Routines
A printable tool to help children know what to expect in their daily routines and activities.
![Daily Connections printable](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DailyConnections-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Planning for Play in Daily Routines
A printable page to plan moments of playfulness during daily routines.
![All About My Day printable](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AllAboutMyDayMonth-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Provider-Parent Communications Log
A printable page to help parents and caregivers communicate about a child’s day.
![Lesson Planning Practice Printable](https://sesameworkshop.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PlanningPractice-ENG-667x500.jpg)
Lesson Planning Practice
A tool to plan opportunities for learning connected to monthly and weekly themes.