9 Mindfulness Craft Activities for Kids' Mental Health
It's never too early to teach your littles how to take care of their mental health. As children grow and learn to self-soothe, they need fun and easy tools to help manage the big energy and emotions swirling around their tiny bodies. Good news is, there are so many mindfulness activities for kids just a quick click away. Here are nine of our absolute favs featuring Aleene's Glues:
Starting off our mindfulness activities adventure is this sun-sational DIY Sun and Rainbow project. Using Aleene's Original Tacky Glue and a few other fun items, this activity will keep kiddos on the sunny side. Pro-tip: On gloomier days, try a different version of this mindfulness activity using cotton balls for clouds and blue buttons for rain drops. This variation can demonstrate how emotions come and go, just like the weather.
Counting is a mindfulness activity that can help a child stay present and focused. This easy craft shows kids how to build a paper flower garden and cardboard box planter using sensory materials, Aleene's Original Tacky glue, and more. After their garden is complete, kids can practice counting the number of petals on each flower.
Of all the mindfulness activities on this list, this paper mach leopard tutorial is the cat's meow! Once you've helped your kiddo assemble the base of their leopard's face, combine equal parts water and Aleene's Original Tacky Glue to create a sticky mixture. Then let the paper mach and painting party commence! While working, take turns practicing loud growls and roars to help release any aggressive emotions and energy. (If your child isn't into leopards, they can easily turn this project into a different animal!)
Quite often, a change of scenery is all it takes to recharge the mind and reset the mood. Try taking the tykes outside for this nature lover's maze-building project. First, the kids can spend time collecting interesting outdoor objects like sticks, shells, and pinecones. Next, they'll turn their earthly treasures into a game board with Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Glue. The result? A one-of-a-kind maze for a one-of-a-kind kid!
Sometimes mindfulness activities are great for grounding, but this DIY rocket craft launches kids up, up, and away by helping them tap into their cosmic creativity! Just grab some paper towel tubes, Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, and a few other crafty household items, and they'll be ready for blast-off in no time!
Speaking of space, this intergalactic goo is a wonderful sensory soother for kids struggling with stress or anxiety. The simple recipe uses Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue with other simple slime-making supplies. Don't forget the astral add-ins like super sparkly glitter and star confetti!
Ready for one of the most mystical mindfulness activities yet? If your littles love whimsical winged creatures and characters, show them this tutorial for creating their very own fairies! While we suggest adults pre-cut the fairy legs, kids can take over from there with Aleene's Tacky Glue and a few basic crafting supplies. For bonus mental health magic, tell kids that they can whisper any worries to their new fairy friends for comfort and safe keeping.
Kids only need three items for this simple celestial craft: lightweight cardstock, scissors, and Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue. For improved mindfulness and a soothing slumber, we suggest creating a whole constellation's worth of these stars to hang with twinkly lights above your kiddo's bed!
Last but not least on our list of mindfulness activities is this chill sensory bottle project. These bottles work wonders for kids experiencing stress and big emotions. Plus, assembly is so easy! Using Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue and water as a liquid base, just add glitter, food coloring, and fun seasonal items. Seal it up, shake it up, and shake it off!
Whether you try one or try them all, don't forget to share your favorite mindfulness activities for kids with friends and family! Be sure to tag us on social @aleenesdiy and share what you're making. Ohm-my-goodness, we can't wait to see the results!
