Tag: family wellness

World Mental Health Day: Caring for the Whole Family’s Mind

On By justmymomsenseIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Every year on October 10, the world pauses to recognize World Mental Health Day. A day to remember that our mental well-being matters just as much as our physical health.

The truth is, mental health starts at home, in our daily routines, our conversations, and the ways we care for one another. Whether you’re a parent, child, or caregiver, mental health is something we can nurture together.

Kids learn how to express emotions by watching us. Talking about feelings, the good and the hard ones, normalizes emotional ups and downs. Try asking your kids questions like:

  • “What made you smile today?”
  • “Was there anything that felt tricky or stressful?”
  • “How does your body feel when you’re upset?”

It doesn’t have to be heavy, just consistent. These conversations help children build emotional vocabulary and teach them it’s okay to ask for help.

As parents, we won’t always get it right. But showing your kids how you calm down through deep breathing, taking a short walk, or saying, “I need a minute to think,” teaches emotional regulation better than any lecture could. When we practice self-care openly, we give our kids permission to do the same.

Routines help everyone feel grounded, especially kids who thrive on predictability. Simple rituals like reading before bed, eating dinner together, or sharing highs and lows of the day create connection and stability which are two key ingredients for strong mental health.

It’s easy to put everyone else’s needs first, but your mental health deserves care, too. Check in with yourself:

  • Are you sleeping enough?
  • Are you eating regularly?
  • When was the last time you did something just for you?

Even a few minutes a day of quiet, journaling, or movement can make a difference.

Caring for our family’s mental health doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It’s the small, everyday choices that build emotional strength: a hug, a walk, a laugh, or a moment of grace when things go wrong.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remind ourselves and our kids that it’s okay not to be okay and that help, hope, and healing are always within reach.

How Weighted Blankets Improve Sleep, Reduce Stress, and Soothe Sensory Needs

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, Sensory Resources1 Comment

There are no words for the excitement both of my kids had once their weighted blankets were delivered and they were under the covers!

The two we bought are linked on the “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things” page.

These blankets provide gentle, evenly distributed pressure across the body. This comforting sensation, often called “deep touch pressure,” feels like a warm hug and can work wonders for your mind and body. Whether you’re looking for better sleep, stress relief, or sensory support, weighted blankets offer benefits for everyone—kids and adults alike.

There are so many benefits to a weighted blanket:

  • One is how they can help with sleep. By applying gentle pressure, these blankets boost the production of serotonin (the “happy hormone”) and melatonin (the “sleep hormone”) while keeping cortisol (the stress hormone) in check. A lot of hormones working together to improve sleep!
  • A weighted blanket is also great for stress relief. The pressure helps calm your nervous system, creating a sense of security and relaxation.
  • For kids (and adults!) with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, weighted blankets can be a lifesaver. They provide a steady, grounding pressure that helps regulate sensory input and creates a feeling of safety.
  • Weighted blankets are amazing for emotional regulation. When my kids are having a tough time, getting under one of these blankets can make all the difference. It’s like hitting a reset button.

I’m big on putting as many tools in your tool box as you can. Sometimes that is something you can do like a breathing technique and others it can be an actual item. Weighted blankets are a tool for better sleep, less stress, and sensory balance. Our kids love their blankets!

Have you tried a weighted blanket? I’d love to hear how it’s worked for you. Drop your thoughts in the comments!

If you’d like to see the weighted blankets we picked out on Amazon (as pictured below), you can check them out here, along with a few of our other favorite things!