Encouraging Self Care for Kids

July 24 is Self Care Day, and it’s really important for us as parents and teachers to help our kids understand what self-care is and how to develop those habits early on in life. It’s not about literally taking care of your physical needs (though that can be part of it!) but more about tending to your mental health and feelings.

Self Love Rainbow has a great graphic all about the basics for kids (and adults!) who might need help getting started. It’s great to talk to kids about what you do for self care (and start up some routines if you don’t already do self-care regularly!) as options that they might consider for their own self care.

It’s important that self-care activities for kids be age appropriate, of course. Journaling, for example, is a great way to process emotions, but it might not be suitable to all ages or all kids.

Incorporating physical activity into a self-care routine is a great idea at all ages, whether that’s going for a family walk through the neighborhood (which was at least a daily occurrence, if not more often, when we were all home during covid), doing yoga together or riding a bike inside or outside.

Other easy ideas are reading books or listening to audio books; doing something creative like drawing, painting or knitting; talking to a friend; playing games; or playing with or petting your pet.

Mental Health Center Kids has a list of 101 different self-care activities that are great for kids if you need more ideas. Have your kids (at home or in the classroom) make a list of activities they like to do and use that list as a reminder when things get stressful or even when they say they’re bored.

Do you have tips for encouraging self care among kids? I’d love to hear them!

[Photo: Self Love Rainbow]

Free Printable Christian Gratitude Journal As you delve into the pages of the Christian Gratitude Coloring Journal, you’ll find not only a creative outlet but also an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your faith. Rediscover the joy of slowing down, appreciating life’s little wonders, and nurturing your connection with the divine. Allow this journal to be a beacon of light that illuminates your path towards spiritual growth and genuine contentment.

Last month I shared a collection of beach crafts that used items from the beach like seashells and sand. This month’s collection is all about beach animals and things you might see at the beach that don’t require beachy materials to make. In fact you’ve probably got what you need to make most of these beach crafts in your house already.

How about paper plates? With a paper plate you can make this cute watercolor seashell from The Educator’s Spin on It, or an adorable seagull like this one from Glued to My Crafts.

Add some white beans and you can make paper plate sand dollars like Crafts by Amanda. Or use a paper plate as a frame for a sweet beach scene like this crab and turtle one from Artsy Craftsy Mom, which includes a downloadable template and instructions to make it super easy.

Or grab a paper plate and some bubble wrap to make a jellyfish like this one from Happy Toddler Playtime. If you have paper bowls instead of plates, you can also make a jellyfish from one of those, like Natural Beach Living did.

Use your stash of craft sticks and googly eyes to make crabs, fish, sharks and more with this craft idea from The Keeper of the Cheerios.

I love this little crab made with a cardboard tube from Hunny I’m Home. With this same idea I’ll bet you could make lots of different creatures.

Grab some construction paper to make the loopy tentacles on this watercolor jellyfish from Craftsy Hacks. Or make a stained glass jellyfish like this one from Life Anchored.

Make easy puffy paint to make these fun fluffy starfish from I Heart Crafty Things, or use cupcake liners to make cute little crabs (also from I Heart Crafty Things).

Turn an old pool noodle into some super cute fish with this tutorial from Happy Toddler Playtime.

And if you’ve got some leftover yarn lying around, make pompoms and turn them into turtles like these from Craftsy Hacks. (And check out my post on different ways to make pompoms if you need a refresher!)

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