This list of 40 magical self care ideas for kids can help children to learn how to manage their emotions and stress in fun, healthy ways. Self-care is an essential tool for maintaining good mental health and overall wellbeing, and it’s never too early to start teaching kids about its importance.
You can find a free printable list down below and head over to my Etsy store to find my Self Care Spells Printable creative worksheets and activities kit.
How to explain Self Care to Kids
I like to explain to children that when we take care of our selves it can be magical, it helps us to feel good in our bodies and minds. However, we are all different, so it’s important to find out what self care activities that we like.
Kind of like making our own potions and picking out the special ingredients that work for us. Hopefully some of these self care ideas for kids will give them a few ideas of what they could try out!
What are the Benfits of Children Practising Self Care?
The earlier a child starts to learn about self-care, the more likely they are to develop healthy habits, that will then benefit them throughout their life.
One of the key benefits of self-care for kids is that it helps them to develop a sense of independence and responsibility.
By taking care of their own basic needs, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, children learn to take responsibility for their own well-being. This can help to build their confidence and self-esteem, and also teach them important life skills.
Related Post {7 Calming Activities to Build Self Confidence}
Self Care can Help Kids Manage Stress and Anxiety
Self-care can also help children to manage stress and anxiety. By learning to recognize their own emotions and needs, children can develop coping strategies that help them to feel more relaxed and in control. This can be particularly important during times of stress, such as when starting a new school year or dealing with a family illness.
Practicing self-care can help children to develop a positive mindset and attitude towards themselves and others. By taking the time to care for themselves, children learn to value their own worth. This can help to foster:
- Empathy
- Kindness
- Compassion
{Download Free Self Care Ideas for Kids Poster at the Bottom of the List!}
40 Self Care Ideas for Kids
These activities are like ingredients in a magic potion and when we create the right potion, self care is real magic for our well-being.
You can even print off the free list below, so children can tick off ideas they would like to try and even add their own ideas too! if you’d like to extend the activity check out my Self Care Spells printable kit which includes lots of fun activities!
Below you’ll find 40 magical self care ideas for kids to try out!
1 – Drawing
The first of our self care ideas for kids is to encourage kids to draw. This could be a corner of their room, or even just a small basket of materials that they can use whenever they feel the need. Encourage kids to draw whatever comes to mind, without worrying about whether their drawing is “good” or not. Remind them that the point of drawing for self-care is simply to express themselves and feel better.
2- Make a Happy Music Playlist
Music has the power to lift our moods. Try songs like”Happy” by Pharrell Williams or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. These songs are sure to put a smile on any kid’s face and help them feel good about themselves. Encourage them to listen to music and explore what songs make them feel calm, relaxed and happy.
3 – Bake a Cake
Baking can be a great way to practice self care. It provides a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment when you see the finished product. Baking can be simple, we made an amazing 1 minute chocolate mug cake the other day or we love making this simple Pizza Dough recipe. Afterwards share the food together or givt it as a gift. Extra feel good feelings 🙂
4 – Send a postcard
One of our self care ideas for kids is to write a postcard. This is a great way to express gratitude to someone you care about. Research has shown that acts of kindness, such as writing a postcard, can increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress levels. Kids live in a fast paced world, taking time to write some snail mail can be a fun way to relax and be kind!
5 – Take a Warm Bubble Bath
Bath time has usually at some point been part of a childs relaxing routine. We love baths in our house. The water is always calming and helps wash away any stress. Pimp your kids bath time and add bath bombs, bubbles, toys, music and then relax!
6 – Drink a Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a really a comforting drink. It can be enjoyed as a way to unwind after a long day and shared with loved ones as a way to connect and relax together.
Why not try Hot Chocolate Breaths – Playful Breathing for Kids
7 – Take some Deep Breaths
Deep breathing is a great way for kids to practice self-care and manage their emotions. Taking slow, deep breaths can help children calm down when they feel upset, anxious or stressed out. Try some of my Playful Breathing Activities for Kids.
8 – Snuggle in a Cozy Blanket
A cozy blanket can be a comforting and calming tool for kids to use when they need to relax or unwind.
When a child wraps themselves up in a cozy blanket, it can provide a sense of security and warmth that helps to soothe their nerves.
It can also be a great way for kids to practice mindfulness, as they focus on the sensation of the blanket around their body and the feeling of comfort it provides. This can help them to be more present in the moment and to feel more grounded and centered.
9 – Listen to a meditation
Introduce kids to meditation is to start with guided meditations that focus on listening. These meditations often involve listening to soothing sounds or music, or to someone guiding them through a visualization exercise.
Encourage your child to find a quiet and comfortable space where they can sit or lie down, and then guide them through the meditation by reading a script or playing a recording.
10 – Play with Lego
Building with Lego blocks is one of the self care ideas for kids which is both a fun and creative outlet. Building with LEGO allows kids to engage their imaginations, reduce stress, and boost their moods.
Playing with Lego can also help kids to relax and unwind after a long day at school or during times of stress or anxiety.
11 – Share your feelings
Introduce self-care to children is by encouraging them to share their feelings. Sharing feelings with others helps to build trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
What are Emotions? {+ Free Feelings List}
12 – Read a Book
Reading is an excellent way for children to practice self-care. Not only does it help them develop their language and cognitive skills, but it also provides a calm and quiet space for them to unwind and relax.
It allows them to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and focus on something that they enjoy. By making time for reading, children are taking care of their mental health and well-being.
13 – Stretch
Stretching is a great way for children to take care of their bodies and promote their physical well-being. Here are some stretches that are easy and safe for children to do:
- Butterfly stretch: Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and gently press your knees down towards the ground.
- Cat-cow stretch: Start on your hands and knees and alternate between arching your back up towards the ceiling (cat) and lowering your back towards the floor (cow).
- Forward fold: Stand up straight and slowly bend forward at the waist, letting your arms hang down towards the floor.
- Quad stretch: Stand on one leg and bend your other leg behind you, grabbing onto your ankle and gently pulling your heel towards your buttocks.
- Shoulder stretch: Stand up straight and cross one arm across your chest, using your other arm to gently pull it closer to your body.
Remember to breathe deeply and hold each stretch for at least 10-15 seconds. Stretching can help improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and reduce stress. Encourage your child to make stretching a part of their daily self-care routine!
14 – Make a Smoothie
Making smoothies can be a fun and healthy way for children to practice self-care. Not only are smoothies delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients that can help keep your little ones healthy and energized. Here is a simple smoothie recipe that kids can make on their own with supervision if needed:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of frozen mixed berries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of milk or non-dairy alternative
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
15 – Get Outside
Spending time in nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Additionally, outdoor activities like hiking or playing in the park can help kids burn off excess energy and release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Encouraging kids to get outside and enjoy nature can be as simple as going for a walk or playing in the backyard.
16 – Spend Time with Animals
Spending time with animals is a wonderful way for kids to practice self-care and improve their mental health and well-being.
Whether it’s with a pet or simply spending time in nature, spending time with animals can help reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that simply petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety.
17 – Laugh
Laughter is often described as the best medicine, and for good reason. It has been proven to have numerous benefits for our physical and mental well-being, including reducing stress and anxiety, increasing feelings of happiness and relaxation, and even boosting our immune system.
For kids, laughter can be an important tool for self-care. It can help them to release tension and pent-up emotions, improve their mood and increase their resilience in the face of challenges. In fact, research has shown that children who laugh often are more likely to be optimistic, confident and resilient.
18 – Write a Story
Writing a story can be a great way for kids to practice self-care and express their emotions. We love this
19 – Call a Friend or Family
Sometimes, kids may feel overwhelmed or stressed out, and talking to someone they trust can help them feel better. Encourage your child to connect with their loved ones and have a conversation about how they’re feeling. Even if they don’t feel like talking about their problems, just hearing a familiar voice can be comforting.
20 – Paint
Not only is painting a fun and creative activity, but it can also help children to relax and unwind. Here are some ways that painting self care ideas for kids to try:
- Expressing Emotions: Painting can be a great way for kids to express their emotions and feelings in a safe and healthy way. Encourage them to paint whatever comes to mind, even if it doesn’t make sense. This can help them to process their emotions and feel better.
- Mindfulness: Painting can be a great form of mindfulness for kids. Encourage them to focus on the process of painting, rather than the end result. This can help them to be more present in the moment and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Relaxation: Painting can be a relaxing activity for kids. Encourage them to find a quiet and comfortable space to paint, and provide them with calming music or a guided meditation to help them relax.
A Mindful Art Activity for Kids • How to Make Art to Sound
21 – Smell Something Pleasant
Aromatherapy is one way that children can take care of themselves. The use of nice smells can have a positive effect on children’s mood and overall well-being.
Essential oils are a popular choice for aromatherapy, and there are many kid-friendly scents available, such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus. These scents can be used in different ways, such as adding a few drops to a diffuser, putting a few drops in their bath, or even using a scented lotion.
22 – Colour in
Coloring is a great way for kids to practice self-care and ease their minds. It’s a simple and fun activity that can help them relax and improve their mood. Coloring can also help improve their focus and concentration, as well as boost their creativity.
When kids color, they can choose any colors they want, creating a sense of freedom and self-expression. By focusing on the present moment and coloring within the lines, they can quiet their minds and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
DIY Colour Walk Adventure Kit
23 – Star Gaze
- Choose the right location: Find a spot away from city lights where you can see the stars clearly. A park or a field can be a great option. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go, and bring warm clothes, blankets, and snacks.
- Get comfortable: Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and pillows so you and your kids can relax and enjoy the view. Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate or tea to keep you warm on chilly nights.
- Learn about the stars: Use a star chart or a smartphone app to identify the constellations and planets visible in the night sky. Teach your kids about the stars and their stories. You can make it a fun game by seeing who can spot the most stars or identify the most constellations.
- Practice mindfulness: Star gazing can be a peaceful and calming activity that helps you and your kids practice mindfulness. Encourage your kids to focus on their breath and the beauty of the night sky. Take a few minutes to meditate together and enjoy the moment.
24 – Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Encourage your child to write down three things they are grateful for each day. This can help them focus on the positive things in their life and develop a greater appreciation for the world around them.
Square Breathing Gratitude Activity for Kids
25 – Write a Thank You Note to Yourself
Writing a thank you note to oneself is a wonderful way to practice self-care and gratitude. It can also be a fun activity for kids to engage in, helping boost their self-esteem and confidence. Here are some tips on how to write a thank you note to oneself for kids:
- Start by reflecting on what you are grateful for. Think about your accomplishments, your strengths, and the positive moments you have experienced recently.
- Write down your thoughts on a piece of paper. Encourage kids to be specific and detailed in their writing. For example, instead of simply saying “I am grateful for my family,” they could write “I am grateful for my family because they always support me and make me feel loved.” Using Affirmations with Kids
- Use colorful markers, stickers, or other decorations to make the note visually appealing. This can help make the activity more fun for kids and help them feel proud of their work.
- Read the note out loud to yourself. This can be a powerful way to reinforce positive feelings and help build self-confidence.
Remember that self-care and self-love are important for everyone, regardless of age. Encourage kids to make writing thank you notes to themselves a regular part of their self-care routine.
26 – Take Pictures
Encouraging kids to take pictures of themselves in a way that makes them feel good about themselves is a great way to boost their self-esteem and confidence.
This can be done by providing positive feedback and compliments on their appearance or their creativity in taking the pictures. It is also important to emphasize that the purpose of taking pictures is not to seek validation or approval from others, but rather to celebrate and appreciate themselves.
27 – Make a Gift
Making a gift for someone can be a fun and creative process. You can choose to make something from scratch or personalize an existing item.
There are many ideas online for DIY projects that are easy to follow and require minimal supplies. You can choose to make a photo album, a personalized mug, or even a piece of jewelry.
Taking the time to make a gift for someone is an act of kindness that will not only make the recipient feel loved and appreciated but will also bring joy and fulfillment to your own life.
DIY Succulent Plant Pot {Kindness Craft}
28 – Make Playdough
Playing with playdough can be a relaxing and meditative activity that can help calm your mind and reduce stress. It’s a great way to express your creativity and imagination, and you can make all kinds of fun shapes and designs with it. So go ahead, give it a try and have fun!
Relaxing Playdough Snail Sanctuary
29 – Take your Shoes off
Taking your shoes off can be a simple yet effective way to practice self-care. Not only does it allow your feet to breathe and relax, but it can also help improve your overall well-being. Here are some benefits of taking your shoes off:
- Reduces stress and anxiety – Walking barefoot on natural surfaces such as grass, sand, or dirt can help ground you and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improves circulation – Wearing tight shoes for extended periods of time can restrict blood flow to your feet.
- Enhances balance and posture – Walking barefoot engages the muscles in your feet and can improve your balance and posture over time.
30 – Have a Nap
Napping can help children recharge and improve their mood, memory, and cognitive function.
31 – Give yourself a Hug
A self-hug is a simple yet effective way to show yourself some love and care. To give yourself a self-hug, wrap your arms around your body and squeeze gently. You can also rock back and forth to give yourself a soothing sensation.
Self-hugs can help reduce stress and anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones in your body, like oxytocin. They can also help you feel more connected to yourself and your body, which is important for overall well-being.
Squishy Self Hugs for Kids
32 – Read a Book
Reading can be a form of meditation that helps kids relax, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.
33 – Complete a Puzzle
Doing puzzles can also be a great way for kids to unwind and relax after a long day at school or during a stressful time. It allows them to focus their attention on something enjoyable and distracting, which can help reduce anxiety and improve their mood.
To encourage kids to engage in puzzle play, consider choosing puzzles with themes or images that they enjoy. You could also make it a fun and social activity by working on the puzzle together as a family or with friends.
Simple DIY Stone Puzzle and Art Activity
34 – Make your Bed
Making your bed is a simple yet effective way to start your day on a positive and productive note. It may seem like a small task, but it has psychological benefits that can contribute to your overall well-being.
When you make your bed, you create a sense of order and accomplishment that can set the tone for the rest of the day. It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, as it eliminates the visual clutter that can make you feel overwhelmed.
Moreover, making your bed can improve your sleep quality, as it helps to maintain a clean and comfortable sleeping environment. By taking care of your bed, you are taking care of yourself, and this small act of self-care can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall happiness.
35 – Grow or Take Care of a Plant
Taking care of a plant can be a fulfilling and relaxing way to practice self-care. Whether you are growing a small herb garden or tending to a larger houseplant, the act of nurturing a living thing can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Plants can also have a calming effect on the mind and body. Studies have shown that spending time in nature or even just looking at images of greenery can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Caring for a plant can provide a similar benefit, as you take a break from the demands of daily life to connect with the natural world. Try our DIY Succulent Plant Pot {Kindness Craft}.
36 – Cloud Watch
Cloud watching can be an excellent form of self-care for kids. It allows them to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature.
By lying down outside and looking up at the sky, kids can let go of their worries and focus on the beauty of the world around them.
Cloud watching is also a great way for kids to practice mindfulness. By paying attention to the shapes and movements of the clouds, they can learn to be present in the moment and cultivate a sense of calm. This can be especially helpful for children who struggle with anxiety or attention issues.
37 – Blow Bubbles
Blowing bubbles can be a great way for kids to practice self-care. First and foremost, it can be a fun and enjoyable activity that allows kids to relax and have fun.
Blowing bubbles requires focus and attention, which can help children tune out distractions and focus on the present moment. This can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.
In addition, blowing bubbles can be a form of deep breathing exercise. Taking deep breaths has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being.
By blowing bubbles, kids are taking in big breaths and then slowly exhaling, which can help them relax and feel calm.
- Relax with Bubble Breaths + Free Guided Imagery Track
- Easy Paper Bubble Wand {+ Bubble Recipe}
- 3 Calming Blow Paint Art Ideas
38 – Declutter & Donate your Old Things
Decluttering and donating old toys can be an excellent form of self-care for kids. It allows them to take control of their environment and take responsibility for their possessions, which can be empowering and promote positive self-esteem. Here are several ways that decluttering and donating old toys can be beneficial for kids’ self-care:
- Reduced stress: Clutter can cause stress and anxiety, especially for children who may feel overwhelmed by the mess. Decluttering can help reduce stress and promote a more peaceful environment, which can, in turn, have a positive impact on mental health.
- Promotes empathy: Donating toys to children in need can help promote empathy and compassion. Children learn to think beyond themselves and understand that they can make a positive impact on others.
- Develops gratitude: Decluttering can help children develop gratitude by realizing how fortunate they are to have items they no longer need or use. This can help them appreciate the things they have and be more mindful of what they bring into their lives in the future.
- Increases focus: With less clutter around, children can focus better on the things that matter, such as schoolwork, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones
39 – Eat something Yummy Slowly
Eating something yummy slowly can be a form of self-care for kids because it allows them to fully enjoy and savor the experience of eating. This can help them to feel more present and mindful, which can be beneficial for their mental health and overall well-being.
On the other hand, when we eat slowly and mindfully, we can fully appreciate the taste and texture of the food, and we may find that we feel more satisfied with less food. This can help kids to develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and can promote a positive self-image.
Encouraging kids to eat slowly and mindfully can be a simple but effective way to promote self-care and overall well-being.
Easy Fruit Rainbow Bagels {with Free Printable Recipe Cards}
40 – Drink Water
The last of our self care ideas for kids is drinking water is an essential part of self-care for kids. It is important to make sure that children are well hydrated throughout the day, as it provides many benefits for their health and well-being.
BONUS – FREE Printable Self Care List {Download Your Freebie Here}
I hope self care ideas for kids have given yousome inspiration in how to introduce self care to your children either at home or in the classroom.
Remember to look after yourslf as well, as you need self care and are doing an amazing job! Take care Emma x
