Self Care and Social Connection
Dear BAREFOOT Babes families,
Thank you so much for coming to HOPE Grove yesterday. I hope during our time together this can be a space to enjoy the moment, if you have any worries or stresses I invite you to set those aside while you're here and enjoy observing your child and try to see the wonder like children do.
It was fun to see what types of things your children were drawn to and that they were open to trying new things. The idea of an “obstacle course” is to set up opportunities or challenges that allow babies and toddlers to practice and master new motor skills as well as opportunity for language concepts and repetition (over, under, in, out, up, down, etc). Crawling or walking over a cushion or pool floatie will challenge their balance and improve coordination. Tossing a ball or beanbag into a bucket or laundry basket works on hand eye coordination; you can also practice counting with this activity or following directions “throw a red ball in.” Hopping over a stick or a toy requires planning, coordination and strength. Younger babies can benefit from observing the older children using their vision and hearing, practicing head and trunk control while on their tummies or sitting.
The focus for this week is self care and social connection, by coming to this group we are all taking time to prioritize social connections for our kids and ourselves. I am so proud of you all for doing what was needed, whether it was to get the kids ready and out of the house, to make the long drive, to reschedule your day and to open yourself up to meet new people and share your experiences.
You can’t take care of everything and everyone well unless you first take care of yourself!
Self care isn’t just bubble baths and pedicures. It can be those things but it will look different for each individual. It starts with taking good care of your physical health: eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, moving your body/exercising daily, getting good sleep. It also includes taking care of your mental health: managing stress, anxiety, depression, doing things that make you feel good (baths, cooking, volunteering, yoga, facial, massages, time alone, with spouse or with friends, journaling, time in nature, music/dancing, etc)
How do you already take care of your physical health?
How can you improve taking care of your physical health?
How do you already take care of your mental health?
How can you improve taking care of your mental health?
We as humans also need social connection- it is very important for our well being and longevity. And after this past year with less opportunities for in person interaction it seems we are craving true connections even more. Sometimes during the hustle and bustle of “normal” daily life we don’t prioritize true connections, as a new parent we might just be doing all we can to stay afloat with new roles, responsibilities and routines.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and we forget about doing the things that are important for our health and well being. There will always be laundry and dishes and toys to pick up. Take the time to make a healthy meal, call your friend, go on a date, have a dance party with your little one, or whatever it is that makes you feel good.
There's a well known quote by Eleanor Brownn, "When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel."
Think of yourself as a beautiful water vessel, if you are constantly pouring onto others you will eventually dry out. If you continue to fill yourself, you will always have overflow to share with others.
I hope this week you can find ways to fill your cup!
Sincerely,
Angela
