Two weeks of my life were completely consumed by taking care of my sick son. I had to keep him home from school, cancel plans, and put aside work for the time being. While it may have been easier to send him back to school with a cough and fatigue, I knew that his wellbeing was more important than anything else.

As a parenting coach, I understand the importance of teaching children to take care of themselves and listen to their bodies from a young age. According to the CDC, “mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing for children.” It is crucial that we prioritize our children’s mental and physical health above all else, as this will lead to greater success in all areas of life.

Wellbeing Today to Prevent Burnout Tomorrow

When I prioritize my son’s wellbeing, his self-esteem grows and he feels more confident in himself. This goes hand in hand with avoiding burnout. Burnout is a real problem, even for children. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, states that “overbooking and over -scheduling children is a true problem that can lead to burnout.” In today’s world, children are often expected to excel in academics, sports, music, and other extracurricular activities. It is important to remember that our children are not robots and they need time for rest and self-care.

During the two weeks that my son was sick, I made sure to set aside time for his studies. We focused on reading Greek mythology, learning algebra, and studying ancient civilizations. It wasn’t about being perfect or keeping up with his classmates, it was about making progress and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

When it was time for my son to go back to school, he was nervous. He worried about being judged for missing so much time. But I reminded him that what truly matters is his heart and wellbeing. When those are in tact, he can accomplish great things. And he did. He went back to school with a newfound sense of confidence and excelled in all areas.

Children’s Wellbeing is a Key to Success in Life

In conclusion, caring for our children’s wellbeing is the key to success in life. Prioritizing mental and physical health over academics and extracurricular activities can lead to greater self-esteem and a lower risk of burnout. Let us teach our children to listen to their bodies and take care of themselves, and they will thrive in all aspects of life.

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