.png)
Self-care doesn't mean “me first,” it means, “me too.”
As we begin a new year there are abundant reminders that the chance for a fresh start is here! For some parents, they may include a “resolution” or goal of increasing their care and kindness to themselves. (note: while new year’s resolutions are definitely not for everyone, this can also be a great topic at any time of the year).
One of our favorite ways to introduce this topic is included in C2L Curriculum Guide Volume One, in lesson PE-12: Self Care for Parents (found on p117 of the guide). The quote that begins this post is also a meaningful way to guide discussion for this topic.
Here are some of the follow up questions you can use (remember, you know your group best - choose what works for you!). There are many more resources for this topic in the guide.
Questions for Discussion:
How do you ask for what you need? (Do you ask for what you need? What gets in the way?)
Why does self-care matter? (we want to be healthy, we want to model this healthy behavior for our kids.)
How do you notice when you are taking good care of yourself? What are your indicators of health?
How do you notice when you are not doing a good job taking care of yourself?
When you are taking good care of yourself, what happens?
Enjoy a bonus download from us, C2L!
Enjoy using these self care planners as an interactive piece of your group, or simply to spur discussion. Questions for consideration: Which element on the handout do you feel is most important to your own self-care? Which element would you eliminate? What reason would you give for each element being a part of this plan?