40 Self-Care Activities to Try with Children

When it comes to self-care, the sooner parents introduce this concept to their children, the better. Children must start building healthy self-care habits that will help them become healthy adults one day. Give these self-care ideas for children a try and start creating relationship bonds that will last for a lifetime.

Self-Care Activities to Try with Toddlers

While your toddler might not understand the concept of self-care, this is the time when they start developing life-long healthy habits. From eating healthy foods to managing their temper tantrums, their toddler years are critical. Try some of these self-care ideas to keep them excited about their wellness. Remember to explain why all of these activities relate to self-care in some way or another.

1. Explore how to wash your hands
2. Teach them how to put on shoes
3. Read a book
4. Try cooking a healthy snack
5. Show them how to organize their clothes
6. Talk about the importance of eating healthy
7. Schedule some “me time”
8. Talk about how you feel and explain why doing this is important
9. Listen to music
10. Plan a dance session

Preschooler Self-Care Ideas

Preschoolers are ready to explore the world and branch out. At this stage, it’s essential to focus on developing healthy nutritional habits, get them involved in trying new activities, and start building healthy habits such as brushing their teeth and scheduling doctor’s appointments. Try some of these self-care activities with your preschooler.

1. Sit down and write your daily routine
2. Talk about what a balanced meal looks like
3. Try a new healthy recipe together
4. Consider doing a workout together, maybe a yoga session
5. Cuddle up and watch their favorite movie together
6. Call one of their best friends
7. Write a short story together
8. Teach them to meditate
9. Practice some calming breathing techniques
10. Go out for a walk

Self-Care Ideas to Try with your Child

By the time your child is 6, they’re ready to explore the world. Children are very active, and during this stage, their mind works like a sponge. Make sure you reinforce healthy habits, introduce healthy snacks, and hone-in on the meaning of self-care and its importance. At this stage, your self-care activities can be more elaborate as they’ll understand some of the reasoning behind doing them.

1. Teach them about journaling
2. Write down gratitude notes to each other and read them out loud
3. Try reading a new book together
4. Cook a healthy meal together
5. Teach them about the importance of healthy habits
6. Get them started on meditation
7. Listen to relaxing music
8. Teach them a new breathing technique
9. Make an inspirational collage
10. Show them affirmations they can tap into when they need them

Teenager Self-Care Ideas

As you might remember, the teenage years are challenging. Between self-image issues, mood swings, trying to fit in, social pressure, a lot is happening. Make sure to invest time in developing healthy self-care habits during these years to help them navigate their teenage years with a healthy mindset.

1. Practice affirmations to improve self-image
2. Talk to them about journaling
3. Go through a digital detox together
4. Start a journal
5. Practice meditation together
6. Read an inspirational book
7. Teach them how to edit their social media to protect their mental health
8. Try a new workout routine together
9. Start a long-term craft project
10. Take personality quizzes to learn more about each other

A Note from GR8NESS

These are all different ideas you can try with your children in the name of self-care. Remember to make sure they understand the reason you do these activities. Self-care can be a leisure activity with no purpose, but when you do it mindfully, you’ll realize its importance for your physical, mental, and emotional self.

Download this self-care list here.