| For
example a characteristic of your child's development
is the gift of caring for his/her own needs.
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Self-care
is:
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caring
for one-self, body, mind, and soul |
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providing
for one's needs through one's own efforts.
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| Christ
expresses it when He says that "as
you fast, see to it that you groom your hair
and wash your face" (Mt 6:17), is sleeping
soundly in the boat (Mt 8:25), tells His disciples
to come away and rest awhile (Mt 6:31-32),
declares that by Mary perfuming His body,
she is preparing it for burial (Mk 14:8),
accepts an invitation to eat at the Pharisee's
home and the reclines to eat (Lk 7:36), "rises
from the meal and takes of His cloak (Jn 13:4). |
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It
is important because:
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self-care
is a source of personal pride and supports
one's sense of autonomy and worth. |
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there
is a natural link between self-care
and caring for other aspects of one's
life such as one's soul, health, safety,
finances, shelter, etc. |
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our
bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit
that God uses (1 Cor 3:16). |
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One
would exhibit it by:
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dressing,
clothing, and feeding one's self. |
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caring
for one's possessions. |
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taking
care of one's responsibilities. |
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initiating
prayer to God when one is frustrated,
sad, or angry. |
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| The
following are examples of how a child might
be supported and challenged to develop Self-care. |
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| What
you can do to support it: |
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| 1. |
For
older infants and toddlers, let your
child serve and feed him/herself food. |
| 2.
|
Let
your child prepare one meal a week -
with your help for a younger child and
with your supervision only for an older
child. |
| 3.
|
Teach
your child to pray to God for help in
time of need or while caring for himself
or the family such as when cooking,
cleaning, snow shoveling, gardening,
etc. |
| 4. |
Teach
your child (1 Cor 3:16) "you are
the temple of God..." Encourage
your child to care for his/her own bodily
needs in healthy ways for this very
reason. |
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The
Activity Cards are a companion publication filled
with activities that turn everyday life experiences
into meaningful and intentional interactions that
nurture the growth, development, and faith of
a child.
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