The Perfect Self-Care Routine for Young Students Starting School

Starting school is a huge step for kids, full of new experiences and feelings. As parents, caregivers, and teachers, we are all here to help make this giant step in childhood easier by teaching kids some simple self-care routines. Think of such routines as tools to help them control their emotions and stay happy, just as we give them books and pencils to help them succeed in schoolwork.

When kids start school, they enter a whole new world. They face new environments, new people, and new routines. This can be hard to handle at first as they adjust to school rules, make new friends, and handle schoolwork. Some kids feel excited, but others will probably feel a bit more nervous, scared, or unsure. We need to notice these feelings and be there for them through this change.

The way kids experience school in the beginning shapes how they will feel about learning and socializing for years to come. Positive experiences in those early days will build their confidence and love for learning. But if their early experiences are bad or upsetting, it does the opposite and dulls their self-esteem. That’s why it’s so important to give kids a smooth, supportive start to school.

Once we’ve taught them how to take care of their emotional well-being, we set them up for a smoother start and a lifetime of healthy habits.

Why Self-Care Routines Are Important for Kids

Just like adults, kids need self-care routines to help them manage their emotions, reduce stress, and stay healthy. These little regimens teach kids to handle challenges and focus on their mental, emotional, and physical health. The best part? These habits will stay with them for life!

A great and simple self-care routine to help young learners get ready for their day can look something like this:

• Morning check-in: Find some creative way to ask your kid how they’re feeling when they wake up. You could design a feelings chart or simply ask questions like, “How do you feel today?” This helps them become more aware of their emotions and sets a positive tone for the day.
• Deep breathing games: Teach kids a fun way to calm down with deep breathing exercises. A good example is playing games like “smell the flowers, blow out the candles,” where they pretend to smell flowers and then blow out candles. It’s a simple exercise that helps them feel calmer and more focused.
• Teach them to celebrate themselves: Encourage kids to say something nice about themselves each day, like “I’m brave,” “I’m kind,” or “I can do this.” Saying positive things out loud boosts their self-confidence.
• Gratitude in practice: Make them their own gratitude jar where a kid can add notes about things they’re thankful for. Every day, ask them to add one thing they appreciate. Focusing on being grateful helps a kid see the positive side of life.
• Make play time active, too: Make sure kids have time each day to play physically and get active, whether it’s by dancing, running, or playing sports. Physical movement is healthy, but it also helps them release energy in a fun way.
• Quiet thoughtful moments: Introduce simple practices that are mindful, like listening to calming sounds or paying attention to their surroundings. Mindfulness helps kids stay present and manage stress.
• Relaxing bedtime schedule: Have a calming bedtime routine that includes cutting down on gadgets or loud activities in exchange for quiet activities like reading a book, listening to soft music, or chatting about the day. A calming bedtime routine helps kids wind down from the day and get the peaceful rest they need.

If your child is about to start school, now’s a great time to start building a self-care routine together.

At the end of the day, even though such self-care routines are helpful, sometimes a kid will need extra support. Once you see a child showing concerning signs of ongoing fear, unhappiness, anxiety, or struggles with behavior that affect their daily life, it could be time to turn to a professional child counselor.

Early support will help the child face challenges better and give them the tools they need to do well. If you also need advice on routines, especially for kids who may have special needs, there’s help to be found right here on this site. Call today and get your little one set for a life of happy learning.