As adults, we understand how important self-care is (and how much we relish in it) — well, acts of self-care are just as important for kids.
Self-care for kids means learning to care for their whole self — body, mind and heart. It plays a key role in building confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Physical, mental and emotional self-care for kids
Physical self-care is understanding what it feels like to be well and strong, and building simple habits that support health, energy and comfort. Mental self-care nurtures their mind, encouraging focus, creativity and confidence as they explore and grow. Emotional self-care helps them recognise, express and manage their feelings, while also knowing when to reach out for comfort or connection.
When woven into daily routines, self-care can support their wellbeing, including:
- Assist in emotional regulation
- Improve mood
- Increase resilience
- Enhance coping mechanisms
- Improve focus
- Assist in social skills
- Help feelings of anxiety
- Encouraging independence
3-ways you can support self-care practices
Model self-care
Children learn most by watching. Let them see you taking care of yourself — resting, talking kindly to yourself, setting boundaries. For example: “I’m feeling tired so I’m going to take a break — it’s important to listen to my body.”
Create small daily rituals
Routines give children a sense of stability and control — both key to self-care. For example:
- Morning “choose your mood” check-in
- A wind-down bedtime routine
- Choosing clothes or snacks for the day
Chat about emotions openly
Help them name feelings and understand they’re normal. Teach them that it’s okay to rest, ask for help, or take alone time. For example: “It’s okay to feel sad. What do you think might help you feel better?”
When we encourage and support children to weave these simple habits into their everyday routine, their mood, focus, emotional regulation, social skills and coping mechanisms all benefit.
Through small, consistent practices they can feel more grounded, supported and in tune with themselves.
