A Self-Care Guide for Childcare Heroes
- The Nap Time Show
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Happy Self-Care Month from all of us at The Nap Time Show!
June 24th marks the beginning of Self-Care Month (launched by World Health Organization), a time dedicated to recognizing that taking care of ourselves is essential. And if anyone deserves to hear this message, it's you: the childcare providers, early childhood educators, and daycare directors who spend every day nurturing, teaching, and caring for our most precious little ones.
The Reality of Caring for Others
You're wiping tears and noses, mediating sandbox disputes, celebrating potty training victories, and somehow managing to keep 15 toddlers from complete chaos...all before 10 AM. You're singing songs until your voice is hoarse, bending down to tiny eye level until your back aches, and giving so much emotional energy that you sometimes wonder if there's anything left for yourself at the end of the day.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Why Self-Care Is Necessary
This year's Self-Care Month marks the 6th anniversary of the World Health Organization launching their first global guidelines on self-care interventions. The message is clear: self-care isn't a luxury or an afterthought. It's a fundamental part of health and well-being.
For those of us in childcare, this hits especially close to home. When we're running on empty, we can't give our best to the children in our care. When we're stressed, overwhelmed, and neglecting our own needs, it shows up in our patience levels, our creativity, and our ability to handle the beautiful chaos of early childhood education.
Think of it this way: you wouldn't expect a car to run without gas, yet we often expect ourselves to keep going without refueling.
Self-Care That Actually Fits Your Life
We know what you're thinking: "Self-care sounds great, but when exactly am I supposed to fit it in?" The truth is, self-care doesn't have to mean expensive spa days or hour-long meditation sessions (though if you can swing those, more power to you!).
Real self-care for childcare providers looks like:
✅ During Your Workday:
Taking actual breaks instead of using them to prep activities
Drinking water throughout the day (yes, even if it means more bathroom breaks)
Stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air during outdoor play
Setting boundaries with demanding parents professionally but firmly
Celebrating the small wins—that breakthrough moment with a shy child, successfully navigating a meltdown, or simply making it through a particularly challenging day
✅ After Work:
Changing out of your work clothes as soon as you get home (symbolic fresh start!)
Having a transition ritual—maybe it's listening to your favorite song, taking a shower, or just sitting in your car for five minutes before going inside
Saying no to extra commitments when you're already stretched thin
Connecting with friends who understand your world (or at least don't judge when you're too tired to make plans)
✅ On Your Days Off:
Protecting your time off fiercely—resist the urge to go in "just for a few hours"
Doing something that brings you joy that has nothing to do with children
Getting adequate sleep (we know, we know—easier said than done)
Engaging in activities that recharge your specific energy type—whether that's socializing with friends or hiding under a blanket with a good book
The Ripple Effect of Your Self-Care
When you take care of yourself, everyone benefits. The children in your care get a more patient, creative, and emotionally available caregiver. Your families get someone who can communicate clearly and handle challenges with grace. Your colleagues get a team member who isn't running on fumes. And you? You get to remember why you fell in love with this work in the first place.
Building a Sustainable Practice
Maybe it's finally using your lunch break to eat instead of laminating.
The key is consistency over perfection. You don't need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Small, sustainable changes compound over time.
You're Not Alone in This Journey
Lean on each other. Share your self-care wins and struggles. Be the friend who reminds others to take their breaks and eat their lunch.
Join Our Self-Care Celebration for Childcare Providers!
Speaking of community support, we're excited to announce our Self-Care for Childcare Giveaway running from June 24 through July 24! Because everyone deserves some extra support in their self-care journey.
One Grand Prize Winner will receive:
$50 Aldi Gift Card (because grocery shopping is real life)
$50 Lakeshore Learning Gift Card (for the classroom supplies you secretly love)
"Real Ones Only" Childcare Provider Pin Pack (wear your pride!)
#ChildcareLife Tote Bag (perfect for all your work essentials)
Self-care mini pack with lip balm, tea, snacks, and other treats
Ten Runner-Up Winners will get:
Feature spotlight in The Nap Time Show newsletter and blog
Free Zoom book reading session with Mister Boots
And EVERYONE who enters receives:
"The 5-Minute Tantrum Stopper: Emergency Calm-Down Checklist for Toddler Teachers"
"The Regulation & De-escalation Pocket Size Guide"
Winners will be announced on July 25th—so mark your calendars!
Your Challenge This Month
This Self-Care Month, we challenge you to try one new self-care practice. Maybe it's as simple as drinking your morning coffee before it gets cold, or as intentional as scheduling a monthly massage. Whatever it is, start today.
You spend your days teaching children that they matter, that they're worthy of care and attention. You matter too. You're worthy of the same care and attention you give so freely to others.
The children in your care are lucky to have you. Now it's time to be lucky to have yourself.
The Nap Time Show celebrates and supports childcare providers, early childhood educators, and everyone who dedicates their lives to caring for children. Because you matter just as much as the little ones you serve.
