8 Ways To Involve Minis in Your Self Care Routine

Train Tracks (on your face)

Never mind investing in a Jade roller that will ultimately sit untouched on your bedside table, reminding you, taunting you, really, that when faced with the unfair choice of facial rolling or sleeping, you will always choose sleeping. Instead, use your kids to your advantage by playing a little game that involves lying down while they drive toy trains all over your face. This one works with anything small with wheels, so cars will work, too. The kids will love the chance to bond with you and your face will get the massage it needs. Bonus: kids have extra-sharp vision, so with them staring at you so closely, you’re bound to hear about an errant hair or two that needs plucking.

We All Scream

Have you ever watched your kid have a stage 5 meltdown and thought, “my god, I wish I could let my feelings out that freely”? We keep so much bottled in, but mental health experts agree that the key to lessening stress and anxiety is releasing negative emotions. This is why you are going to challenge your children to a screaming contest. If any of you are sensitive to sound, or if your neighbors are nearby, accommodate them by screaming into pillows. Countdown from three and let the catharsis happen by letting out one long, powerful scream. Repeat as needed.

Chiro-Children

Next time you wake up tense and need a deep tissue massage, convince your kids to play the “Walk on Mom” game. You lie face-down on the floor, and your children take turns walking across your back. This gets them working on their balance and gives you a chance to pretend you’re getting a Swedish massage.

Gummies for Mummy

Much has been said about CBD gummies. There are many kinds on the market for every type of imbiber. Choose what’s right for you and obviously, don’t overdo it. Now, encourage your children’s creativity by suggesting they put on a play for you. This can be a play they act in or they can enlist their stuffed animals or finger puppets. You can get as involved as you want, but you might find that being an audience member in this state is most soothing. In fact, even if the play doesn’t pan out or last long, you’ll find yourself fascinated with cars, dolls, and Lego figures right now. I recommend watching the colorful and calm children’s show “Buddi” if screens are required. When mom’s chill, we’re all chill.

The Quiet Game

Maybe you have a migraine or crave some sweet silence. Whatever the reason, when you need a bit of peace and quiet, “The Quiet Game” is the go-to game to keep your children on the side of self-care. Bribery will most likely be required, so be prepared to offer prizes of chocolate, small toys, or whatever else works on your crew. The object is simple: the kid who can remain the quietest for the longest wins. And you win, too. I definitely didn’t invent this one, but cheers to the genius who did.

Mom’s Spa

This one requires you to embrace that things will get messy, so make your peace with that, or plan ahead by putting newspaper or an old sheet on the floor to make cleaning up easy. You are going to give your kids the super fun job of working at Mom’s Spa. While your feet soak in a bucket of warm water, the kids will take their paintbrushes or little fingers and dip them into a DIY facial mask mixture made of yogurt and honey (I said it would be messy). Then, they’ll slather it all over your face and you’ll have a few minutes to relax and hydrate your face. Once this is over, everyone needs to be hosed down, immediately.

Last Resort Dance Party

If all else fails (it probably will), turn on the Encanto soundtrack and dance your troubles away, en masse. Dancing makes you happy, gets your heart rate up, and is a sure way to tire out active children. Teach them the running man, or if you’re feeling young and adventurous, tackle whatever new dance the kids these days are doing on TikTok.

Completely Give Up

You can achieve true inner peace by completely relinquishing all parental self-judgment. Pass your child your phone or tablet, make sure they’re hydrated and have snacks within reach, and situate yourself in a position on the couch that is nap-like in every way but from which you can crack open an eye to observe your kid if needed. Rest until the battery runs out or your child goes live on Instagram, and your followers start calling you concerned.

Carla Ciccone is a writer and mom from Toronto. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, bon appétit, and The Cut.