Self-care is a phrase we often hear, especially now as individuals and families navigate a new set of routines and expectations. Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Effective and consistent self-care is key to a positive mood and mindset in both individuals as well as groups of people such as families. It can also improve relationships with oneself and with others.

In the Montessori studio at Acton Academy, the learners practice self-care in a variety of ways. Many of the practical life activities that take place in the studio fall into the category of “care of self” and are generally aimed at meeting the physical needs of the children. Examples include handwashing, food prep (such as tea making and apple slicing), independent dressing (putting articles of clothing such as shoes, gloves, and coats on and taking them off), and physical movement activities, such as yoga, that address the child’s physical as well as mental and emotional health. 

The learners also practice mental and emotional self-care in the studio. This occurs through singing, dancing, arts and crafts projects, reading, and breathing exercises (such as “the candle and the flower” demonstrated here). The learners also have opportunities for self-reflection. The studio’s library is the perfect location for this as it is designed to welcome one child at a time. 

Here are some self-care activities that your child can do at home:

• Engaging in physical activities such as obstacle courses and yoga
• Expressing creativity with arts and crafts projects (the process is more important than the product—if you are unable to set up a more structured arts and crafts activity, simply collect as many materials as you can find in your home or outside and see what your child creates on his or her own without instruction.)
• Helping prepare and eat healthy snacks and meals
• Finding time for quiet reflection: set up a room or corner in your home where your child can have some alone time. Some items you may want to include:
• A squishy stress ball (you can make your own by filling a balloon with sand)
• A glitter jar (learn how to make your own here)
• A handheld mirror (children can observe their facial expressions to help identify how they are feeling)
• Paper and drawing materials
• Noise cancelling headphones (either to listen to music or to simply block out any external noise)
• Comfort items such as blankets and pillows

There are also ways that families can practice self-care together. Many of the aforementioned activities can be done together in a mindful and deliberate way to promote not only the benefit of individual self-care, but also family bonding. For example, you could set up your own yoga area in your home and have a family yoga class. See what different art creations each family member makes with the same set of materials. Consider cooking a nutritious meal together, with each family member contributing a dish. Reading together is another amazing opportunity for joint self-care. Family members can take turns choosing the book to be read aloud and those who are able can take turns reading chapters to the whole family.