Today was the last day of my eighth summer as a social skills camp instructor. I really like working with the students on such a relevant skill. Identifying and understanding social cues can be a difficult task for anyone, as a young teenager with autism, the task can be monumental. In addition to crafts and games we had a lesson on a certain social skill twice a day. I include the topic of loving yourself to my lesson daily.
![Screenshot_20180712-103717[498]](https://bossladysblooms.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/screenshot_20180712-103717498.png?w=479&h=327)
In 1984, I was 14 years old, I lived with my mother and step father along with my younger brother and sister; my older two siblings had already moved into their adult lives. Both my parents worked, and I was left with the chore of babysitting my siblings often. I remember one day walking home from the bus stop and as we were about to cross the street to go to our house, my brother ran out ahead of me into the street without looking, I immediately bolted out after him also without looking, causing a car to loudly screech its brakes as it came with in only a few feet of hitting us both. I was terrified. The minute we walked into the door at home my brother told my mother, that he “almost got hit by a car”. Without hesitation my mother started lecturing me about looking out for my younger siblings and that I, as the “big sister” was supposed to “take care’ of them. As she finished yelling at me, I went to my bedroom laid on the bed and wondered; I was almost hit too, im taking care of him, but who was taking care of me.
The self-care message to most children, especially teens, is mostly proper hygiene. At 14, I knew about keeping my body, hair and teeth clean. I knew to wear clean clothes and neat hair, what I didn’t know was how to love myself, and treat myself good. Most children don’t at that young age. This is exactly why I included self-love into every lesson. How well you treat yourself usually dictates how others treat you.
The definition of selflove is regarding for one’s own well-being and happiness. I look at this definition as one caring for themselves so that they are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy to give to others.
# BossLady.
#bossLadyBlooms 
I agree, This is very important. Even Justin Bieber wrote song: Love yourself 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Self love what makes us give love more. This is a beautiful story, appreciate you sharing this.
LikeLike
I love the title and write up. Everything boils down to loving self. Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right that it’s best to love and take care of yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We care about everyone but white comes to us we ignore it. You are doing great work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am trying to teach self love to my 12 year old and it is difficult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an inspiring post! Loving yourself is the most important thing to do with yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post really made me think. Self Love is so important!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘I’ is often ignored because ‘we’ denotes more responsibility but at the end of the day it boils down to one thing-Love yourself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so admire you for being strong and for loving your siblings way back when you felt that they needed you. Self-love is very important and I am glad you have realized it at such a young age.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We should love ourselves first so other people can love us, too. Very well written. Keep it up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Self love does not come easy! Working with children and giving them skills to take care of themselves can be such a confidence booster for them and rewarding for you while is definitely is a challenging task! This post is inspirational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should love yourself before anything else. do the things that makes you happy because time is too shrt for everything! love this post!
LikeLike
What a great job to have! Teaching them young is the best way. I’m not sure I was ever taught about the importance of loving yourself.
LikeLike
Self Love is so important and I believe it starts at home. If we are not taught self love or see our parents loving themselves than we are unaware of how much of a priority it is. Thanks for sharing. I have an article about self love through massages. I would love for you to take a look and let me know what you think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we know how to love ourselves, we can also share and do that love to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hhhhmmmmmm….this is so thought-provokin! Reminds me of something that I wrote on love…. allow me share it here with you,
https://ntemid.wordpress.com/2018/07/12/you-are-worthy-i-love-you/
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was a great post! I think it is such a blessing that you are teaching youngsters how to love their self. Most of us had to learn through painful experiences because we weren’t taught it sooner. Thanks for this 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was great. You are absolutely correct this is definitely something that should be taught. I wish this was something I was taught.
LikeLiked by 1 person