Self-Care for Kids, Families, and Classrooms – A Simple Practice with a Big Impact
- Give N' Grow
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
In today’s fast-paced world, kids, families, and teachers juggle a lot—schoolwork, emotions, responsibilities, and expectations. That’s why self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. It’s the act of checking in with ourselves and making time to care for our physical, emotional, and mental needs. When we take care of ourselves, we show up stronger, calmer, and more connected in our homes, schools, and communities.
What Is Self-Care and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, self-care means prioritizing your well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It's about noticing how you feel, recognizing what you need, and making time for small actions that help you feel balanced and well.
In different environments, self-care can look like:
At home: Taking a break when overwhelmed, talking about your feelings, or having quiet time to rest or play.
At school: Stretching between lessons, journaling your thoughts, or using positive self-talk to build confidence.
In the community: Setting boundaries, asking for help, or engaging in activities that bring joy and connection.
When children learn to care for themselves, they also learn how to care for others. Self-care fosters empathy, patience, and emotional resilience—skills that ripple out into stronger families, healthier classrooms, and more compassionate communities.
What the Science Says About Self-Care
Research consistently shows that self-care isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
For kids, self-care practices like mindfulness and physical activity can improve attention, reduce anxiety, and increase emotional regulation (Zinsser et al., 2016).
For parents, engaging in regular self-care helps lower stress levels, making it easier to support children with warmth and responsiveness (Sears, 2014).
For teachers, self-care reduces burnout and improves classroom climate, which in turn enhances student learning and well-being (Jennings et al., 2011).
In short, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s foundational.
A Step-by-Step Self-Care Activity for Kids
Here’s a simple, interactive activity you can use with kids at home or in the classroom to introduce and practice self-care. It’s called the Self-Care Smorgasbord and encourages children to check in with their feelings and choose what their body or mind needs most.
1. Check-In: “What do I feel right now?”
Kids pause, close their eyes (optional), and tune into their body and emotions. Do they feel tired? Energetic? Stressed? Calm?
Why it matters: This builds emotional literacy—the ability to recognize and name emotions, which is a critical first step in managing them.
2. Ask: “What do I need right now?”
Invite kids to listen to their body and decide what might help—movement, rest, quiet time, or connection.
Why it matters: This promotes self-awareness and agency. It teaches kids that they can be in charge of meeting their own needs in healthy ways.
3. Choose from the Self-Care Smorgasbord:
Here are a few sample options you can introduce. Let kids try one or more, or create their own!
Self-Hug + Slow Breath: Wrap arms around self and take three slow, deep breaths.
Gratitude Moment: Think of one thing you’re thankful for.
Fast Breath + Bounce + Run: Quick energy release through movement.
Go on a Walk: Take a few minutes to move and reset.
Positive Self-Talk: Say something kind to yourself:“I’m doing my best.”“It’s okay to have big feelings.”
Why it matters: These practices help kids regulate their nervous systems, boost mood, and build habits that they can return to again and again.
4. Affirmation:
“I deserve time to take care of myself.”
Why it matters: Repeating affirmations helps rewire negative thinking and builds self-worth. When kids believe they deserve care, they’re more likely to give it to themselves and others.
5. Challenge of the Week:
Take 10 minutes every day to do something just for you—read, draw, go outside, or just breathe.
Why it matters: Building a daily habit—even just 10 minutes—cements self-care as a routine, not a reward.
More Ways to Practice Self-Care in Daily Life
Looking for more ideas? Here are a few simple, accessible ways to integrate self-care into family and classroom routines:
🏡 At Home:
Create a “calm corner” with books, fidget toys, and pillows.
Practice gratitude as a family at dinner.
Set aside “quiet time” each day, even for just 5 minutes.
🏫 At School:
Use brain breaks between lessons.
Start the day with a mindful breathing exercise.
Let students create personal self-care menus they can revisit.
🤝 In the Community:
Host a family self-care night at a local community center.
Create sidewalk chalk messages with positive affirmations.
Encourage neighborhood nature walks or movement meetups.
Final Thought
Self-care teaches kids (and adults!) that they matter, that their feelings are valid, and that there are healthy ways to respond to life’s ups and downs. Whether it's a breath, a hug, a walk, or a moment of gratitude, these small steps can lead to big emotional growth.
“I deserve time to take care of myself.”
Let’s help our children believe that—and show them how to do it.