Be Kind to Your Mind Tee

What exactly does being kind to your mind mean? Being kind to your mind may have different meaning for everyone. It suggests that you are in charge of your mental health and taking care of your mental health needs. Children (as well as us adults sometimes) need support in this area. Being kind to your mind may be you taking the time to focus on taking deep breaths throughout the day. It can mean making intentional efforts to participate in self-care throughout the day, or checking in with how your body feels/the emotions you’re having throughout the day.

Ways to support your child through being kind to their minds:

*Help your child practice mindfulness skills (deep breathing, paying attention to what their 5 senses are telling them, practicing kids yoga on YouTube, etc.).

*Help your child recognize where they feel different emotions in their body (“What does your body feel like when you’re mad? Sad? Happy?). This helps them recognize when their body is signaling to them that they have a big emotion.

*Practice self-care with your children (soak in a bubble bath, spend time listening to music they enjoy, encourage journaling, spend time doing the hobbies they enjoy).

*Practice using daily affirmations (I am kind, I am capable, I matter, etc.).