In family households, self care for parents can be a struggle. The well-being of the family is important but the needs of the individual members of the family might be neglected in the process.Β
There are ways to deal with this though!
What if...you practice self care as a family? In this blog post, we share with you some fun and helpful ideas to get you started on practicing self care together with your family.
Here are 7 Ways to Practice Self Care As A Family
1. Start aΒ conversation about the meaning of self care.
What is self care to you? What is self care to your partner? Your kids? These are questions we never really think to ask of the people we are around the most. Sit down over dessert and get to know each othersβ needs. It might require starting out by explaining what self care is!Β
Here are some great questions to ask each other once youβre past that point:
- What causes you stress or anxiety?
- Whatβs your favorite thing to do when you need a break from the world to relax?
- What could you use more of? (e.g. sleep, money, time, etc.)
- How can I be mindful of your self care?
2.Β Schedule game nights as a fun activity to enjoy together.
βGame Nightβ should sound familiar. Itβs the day of the week families get together and play a board game or other game of their choice. For most families, this is an act of self care. Not only do you get the chance to catch up with one another, but it opens up the chance to laugh which is incredibly therapeutic.
3. Take steps to normalize βaloneβ time.
While this doesnβt involve your family directly, encouraging your partner and/or kids that itβs okay to βvibe by yourselfβ can be transformative for their self care. When youβre in a family household, privacy might feel limited. By encouraging alone time, you create a space where your family feels comfortable enough to act on their mental health care by stepping away for some solo time if needed.
4. DivideΒ and conquer household tasks so that no one's plate is overloaded.
Time is used up by household chores. This means that it takes up time that could be spent on self care. Divide and conquer household chores as a family, that way you all can enjoy downtime sooner than later effectively.
5. TryΒ something new together.
Each member of the household more than likely has their own list of things (saved in their brain) theyβve never done but would like to try. Figure out what those things are together, and schedule a day every other week where you try something new together based.Β
6. LimitΒ cell phone when you're together.
Donβt take your familyβs phones away! Instead, have a conversation with them about why itβs important to disconnect from social media for a bit. Substitute something else in the cell phoneβs place like a long movie or going out for a walk!
7. ComeΒ up with a self care plan together.
Keep your family motivated with their self care by being consistent. Sit down and plan family self care days, even if itβs as simple as staying home and having a root beer float night. Yum!
We hope you found these tips helpful. Keep us posted on how it goes with your family even if itβs a quick email to our support desk. Our team would love to hear from you.
If you have any questions, donβt be afraid to reach out to us! Weβre here to help. For more tips, make sure youβre signed up for our newsletter at lovetplanners.comΒ and check out our other pro-tips and planner walkthroughs at the blog section of our site! Questions or comments? Drop a line below!