How to help children build healthy habits for the body, mind, and heart

Introduction

“Taking care of yourself” sounds simple — but for kids, it’s a skill that must be learned, modeled, and practiced every day.

In Taking Care of Me from Dream Tree Publishing, children discover that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s how we stay strong, kind, and connected.
From brushing teeth and eating healthy foods to resting when tired and saying “no” when something feels wrong, the story gently teaches that caring for yourself is part of loving yourself.

When children learn self-care early, they grow into emotionally aware, confident, and resilient adults.

Why Self-Care Matters in Childhood

Self-care is more than hygiene — it’s the foundation for emotional health.
When kids practice caring for their bodies, thoughts, and feelings, they learn that:

• Their emotions are important 🧠
• Their bodies deserve love and respect 💪
• They can listen to their needs and act kindly toward themselves 💛

This early awareness helps children build strong mental and physical well-being that lasts a lifetime.

“Kids who learn self-care learn self-worth.”

The Three Pillars of Self-Care for Kids

 1️⃣ Caring for the Body

Children need to understand that physical care — eating well, sleeping, moving, and resting — gives their bodies energy to play and learn.

Teach through consistency and fun:

• Create a “Healthy Hero” chart to track daily habits (tooth brushing, stretching, hand washing).
• Let them choose their own healthy snacks — autonomy increases motivation.
• Explain how caring for their body helps them feel strong, focused, and happy.

“Our body is our home — taking care of it helps us feel good inside and out.”

2️⃣ Caring for the Mind

Mental self-care is about recognizing thoughts, worries, and feelings — and knowing it’s okay to have them.

Ways to practice:

• Name feelings out loud: “I feel frustrated,” “I feel calm,” “I feel proud.”
• Teach kids to take deep breaths when upset.
• Encourage quiet play, journaling, or drawing as emotional outlets.

You can use the book’s reflection prompt:

“What helps your heart feel better when you’re sad?”

These small exercises teach emotional regulation — one of the most powerful lifelong skills.

3️⃣ Caring for the Heart

Emotional self-care helps children connect with others and with themselves.

This includes:

• Saying kind things to themselves in the mirror.
• Asking for help when something feels too big.
• Spending time doing things they love — reading, painting, dancing, or playing outside.

“Taking care of your heart means listening when it whispers and resting when it’s tired.”

How to Teach Self-Care in Everyday Life

 1️⃣ Make It Visual

Create a “self-care corner” at home or school with reminders:
🪞 A mirror for affirmations
🌿 A chart for daily routines
🎨 A space for creative calm

Visual tools help children turn invisible habits into real actions.

2️⃣ Model It Yourself

Children learn best through example.
Let them see you:

• Drinking water instead of skipping meals.
• Taking breaks when overwhelmed.
• Saying “no” kindly when you need rest.

When adults model balance, children learn that rest and care are natural, not “lazy.”

3️⃣ Turn Care into Connection

Self-care doesn’t have to be solitary.
Make it part of bonding moments:

• Brushing teeth together with a silly song.
• Doing “family yoga” or stretch breaks.
• Cooking a healthy dinner as a team.

These rituals build emotional security while reinforcing positive habits.

4️⃣ Teach the Power of Saying “No”

Self-care also means boundaries.
Help kids understand it’s okay to:

• Say no when play feels rough.
• Ask for space when overwhelmed.
• Walk away from arguments or teasing.

This is emotional safety — the heart of self-respect.

Self-Care and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Taking Care of Me fits perfectly within SEL goals used in schools:

SEL Skill	What Self-Care Teaches
Self-awareness	Understanding needs, emotions, and limits.
Self-management	Building routines and coping skills.
Responsible decision-making	Choosing what’s healthy and safe.
Relationship skills	Asking for help and expressing needs respectfully.

These skills don’t just help kids — they strengthen classrooms, friendships, and families.

Simple Self-Care Routine for Kids

Morning: Stretch, hydrate, and set one positive intention.
Midday: Take a mindful break — three deep breaths, a short walk, or a gratitude check-in.
Evening: Reflect: “How did I take care of myself today?”

This rhythm builds awareness and balance — one gentle step at a time.

Conclusion: Self-Care Is Self-Respect

When children learn that self-care is love in action, they grow up with confidence and calm.
They discover that caring for themselves isn’t selfish — it’s how they keep their light shining bright enough to care for others, too.

“When we care for ourselves, we have more kindness to give.” 💛

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Help your child build healthy habits and emotional confidence with
👉 Taking Care of Me — a heartwarming picture book from Dream Tree Publishing that teaches kids to love and care for themselves from the inside out.

Because learning to take care of yourself is the first step toward a lifetime of happiness, strength, and peace. 🌿

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Relevant Articles :

Helping Children Listen to Their Bodies and Feelings

The Link Between Self-Love and Confidence in Kids

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