Self-Care by Jaimmie Stugard

 Self-Care  

by Miss Jaimmie

Self-care is a term we hear a lot these days.  As parents and caregivers, we are often stretched thin and we recognize how important it is to care for ourselves as well as our children. So, for many adults with young children, when we think of self-care, we think about taking some time to decompress - whether it is savoring a cup of tea, getting a good night’s sleep, reading a book or a getting a manicure. 

For children, self-care is really about learning how to do things for themselves - building their competence and confidence. How do we encourage our children to care for themselves at LifeWays? What are they capable of in their early years?

Self-Care in the early years

Infants – At LifeWays, we offer plenty of freedom of movement so that babies can learn to roll-over, sit-up, crawl and stand on their own. We avoid putting little ones in positions that they cannot get into themselves for their safety. We do not use bouncers, walkers or other devices that inhibit natural movement and we resist the urge to rescue little ones if they become a bit frustrated while learning a new skill, like rolling over. Babies are encouraged to participate in their care by letting them help as they are able (for example, lifting their hips during diaper changes) and talking with them about what we are doing when they are not (i.e. I am going to help you get your shirt on now). Cups without lids, plates and baby safe silverware are introduced when older infants begin to enjoy table foods.

Toddlers – As you may know, toddlers love to take off their socks and shoes! At this age, they are also able to undress with some help. At LifeWays, toddlers begin to learn to take off their own shoes, coats and snowpants. They can eat independently and are becoming more capable with using silverware and drinking from lidless cups.  If they drop food on the floor or the table, they can help clean it up. Now that they can walk, they can be carried less and enjoy exploring under watchful eyes. They will also begin to express themselves with words and make requests.

Two-year-olds – Now that they know how to undress, children are ready to learn how to get dressed with some help around age two. They can learn to put on their clothes, jackets and shoes independently (with a little help with zippers and mittens).  Parents can support this learning by providing shoes and clothes that are comfortable and loose-fitting. Skinny jeans, overalls and snug sneakers can be very frustrating for little ones who are learning to dress themselves. Two-year olds are also becoming more skilled with silverware and enjoy helping set the table and tidy up after meals. 

Children who have learned to dress and undress independently will be well-positioned to begin exploring toileting when they show signs of readiness (often around age 3). They will also be able to use the stool to get on and off the toilet on their own. With practice, they will learn to clean up afterward without adult help.

Preschoolers – At LifeWays, preschool-aged children become more capable and confident caring for themselves and for one another.  They pour milk and water for themselves and may serve their younger friends. On bagel day, they can spread their own cream cheese or peanut butter topping.  The KinderHouse children love to help wash dishes and sweep the floor. When it is time to get dressed for outdoors, LifeWays preschoolers often offer to help their younger friends with their zippers and shoes. Older preschoolers thrive when they are able help out more around the house, feeding and caring for pets and doing simple chores.  Outdoors, they love to help in the garden and climb trees. And, just like when they were smaller, we give them space to learn to move their bodies on their own. They may ask us to give them a boost when they are climbing, but we know that it is much safer and more satisfying for them to learn to do it on their own.