It amazes me today that people think that kids do not have stress. Here are 7 self-care activities for kids. We all know that we didn’t have to deal with the things like social media and school shootings. For that alone along with learning more about themselves kids are under pressure. They need outlets for all ages that are beyond school and sometimes sports but we will dive more into it.
Teaching Kids to Lean into books
A book is like an adventure. When kids need to learn to go to a good book. I know that’s hard thing to do now with electronics. Kids are used to going into libraries. So, if you have children that are young it will be up to you to increase their love of books. I did it with my kids by taking trips into the library. Although we do not go in often, we do go to bookstores.
I am avid reader and always have a book on me. So, with that example it is easy for us to shop for books. When their schools have book sales, we encourage them to purchase books. Also get them started on series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and more.
The more they can build on their reading the better. Also do not discount books like comic books either. So many parents will say that its not a real book. It is and it can encourage a drawer and other art forms. Also, if you have a teen encourage eBooks helps and counts too.
Using Creativity as a Stress Buster
For kids they started their learning journey through creativity. They can return to creativity to be able to destress at times. Keep supplies on hand. In our house there are ample things like paint, markers, paper, and more for them to be creative. My oldest has also made her own art nook. She has added things like crotchet and other forms of creativity in there as well. The more creative a child is the more they lean into it. Creating things helps in stress. It takes your mind off what is going on and transports you to another place too.
I also encourage adults to do the same. When you create you get to tap into the flow of using different mediums too. We have play-dough and molding clay. As many parents when we hear the word playdough it makes our eyes squint. However, learning to have a designated space for these types of activities is helpful in the management in the “messiness.”
Problem Solving
Think Legos, puzzles, and entertainment books. These are the types of tools that they need in life anyway. Might as well encourage them to problem solve. Tap into what you children like. My son when he was younger had a Legos table. This is where he would build anything that his heart desired. Now that he is older, he still builds. I can always tell when he stressed or pondering something. At first his builds are quick then you see him settle into it and make larger builds. We have encouraged him to do this for fun and for stress. All the kids love puzzles. Now that they are older, they do it as a challenge to see how well or how fast. I love when I see them even at this age working together.
Baking and Cooking for Stress
Nothing says destress like a warm homemade cookie or comfort meal. My children have been in the kitchen since they could stand on a stool. Get them in the kitchen even the teenagers. You will be surprised how much they want to learn. You don’t have to be the best baker or cook. It’s the time together. Get them involved by seeing what they want to make.
For instance we sometimes do a TikTok taught me meal. They are on socials anyway. Find a meal they saw on social media and replicate it. Teach them to add their flare. When my kids do that and take the leftovers for lunch they are proud of what they have done.
After School Activities
This could be sports, dance, or even an art club. Being around kids their own ages and competing or being active. Now it also can be a place of stress all in its own. Balance it. For instance my son plays for two basketball teams. We will place no practice days on his calendar. This way he can do absolutely nothing and still enjoy the sport that he is in. In my oldest daughter school they have clubs like bowling and even rowing for beginners. Get the kids involved.
Also encourage your child to also try a new sport that isn’t for competing. Like tennis or swimming. This can become their activity.
Letter Writing
Now this may be for an older child. When my daughter and I was struggling for her to speak up about things we started a notebook. She would write down what she felt she couldn’t speak up about to me or her dad. In that book I would respond. This kept the accountability of not overreacting. This could be seasonal notebook. For instance it allowed her to use this for about 6 months and together we worked on not needing the book. This is great for teenagers and older kids. It helped build trust and honesty.
Mental Health Days and Stress
Everyone needs a day! I allow my kids to take one day to do just that-nothing. If they sleep in on these days so be it. If they watch movies and lounge around so be it. As a content creator who does a lot on top of all things having a nothing day is important. I extend the grace. If you notice your child is abusing the mental health day meaning they are needing them more then before, talk with your child. Don’t let the mental health day take away from a real life issue that they are demonstrating the need for parental guidance.
A lot of these activities will require some parental help. For instance, kids can’t go to the library or bookstore on their own. However, making sure you teach the kids what self-care is and how to utilize it will help them as they get older. For instance, I noticed with my oldest when she is upset and frustrated that she doesn’t eat.
I started having conversations with her about it. Suggesting she has a cool down moment instead of not eating. Within an hour come back and learn to eat so you can establish healthy eating habits. Associating stress with food can have a huge detriment to her down the line.
