Parenting: When do kids start to become independent self-carers

My eldest handed me a jumper today that says 'Positive Mindset' on it she says she thinks it'll suit me! "You're always saying that!" she smiles. It brought back some recent self-care comments from my youngest who said one morning 'Mum last night my skin felt sore so I put some Aloe Vera Gel on it, and also my knee ached after football training so I put Arnica Gel on it, they feel better now". I turned to my partner with absolute glee on my face as I acknowledged all the 'magic remedies' I've been sharing and applying all these years has now become second nature to the children too.

Since running The Better Wellbeing Club for children at primary school my heart warms when a parent shares that their child has turned to their self-care products that they made (maybe a rollerball or space spray) in a moment of need.

When my children feel a certain way they ask for what they need; this may be a ginger tea to ease nausea, a chamomile tea to ease an upset tummy, a good ol' honey and lemon when they have a sore throat. They never ask for anything unnatural. They see these remedies work time and time again and fast. Over time they have built this natural approach memory, that has become a toolkit they can turn to. It's what I inspire to do at the kids club locally in my community and then I will launch the blueprint to replicate it anywhere in the world. But there is nothing better than when self-care impacts your own children so positively!

Never underestimate that what we teach and what our children witness us doing is being absorbed and will go on to shape their future.