5 Mindfulness Craft Activities For Kids

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgement. It can help us to feel more calm and peaceful and is something that we can all benefit from.

Craft activities are a great way to help kids to be more mindful, as they can help to focus the mind and encourage creativity. But how can you make sure that your kids have mindful fun?

Throughout this guide, we'll cover exactly why mindfulness is vital for kids, how mindfulness and crafts go hand in hand, and 5 key mindfulness craft activities you can try at home with your own children. So, let's get started!

Why is it Important For Children To Practice Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment. Practising mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Mindfulness can also help you learn how to control your reactions to stress and emotions.

Practising mindfulness can be especially beneficial for kids. When kids are able to focus their attention on the present moment, they can become less impulsive and more aware of their own thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness exercises can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, and when learnt from a young age, help children to regulate these emotions later in life. This mindful awareness can help to support your child's mental health, self-regulation and minimise negative self talk.

The Link Between Crafts and Mindfulness

There are many different ways that kids can practise mindfulness. One way is through craft activities. Craft activities can help to ground kids in the present moment and allow them to focus on the task at hand.

Crafts can also be a great form of self-expression. By expressing themselves through art, kids can learn more about their own thoughts and feelings. And, as they create something tangible with their hands, they can also see the results of their hard work and feel a sense of achievement.

Some other key benefits of arts and crafts activities include:

• Improving communication skills
• Boosting mental health
• Teaching problem-solving skills.

How To Teach Mindfulness To Children

When teaching mindfulness to children, there are some key things to keep in mind. First, it's important to explain what mindfulness is in a way that kids will understand. You can do this by using simple language and examples that relate to their everyday lives.

Some other key tips for teaching mindfulness to children include:

1. Practice mindfulness yourself: Kids are more likely to be interested in something if they see you doing it too. So, make sure to practise mindfulness yourself and let your kids know when you're doing it. Lead by example with a regular mindfulness practice of your own. This could include breathing exercises, mindful walks, guided meditations, or many other activities.
2. Take part in mindfulness activities: Further to the first tip, you should not only practice mindfulness alone but also do it as a family. This will help to make it more fun and engaging for kids, plus, by taking part in mindfulness activities together, you can also bond and connect as a family.
3. Remember the power of arts and crafts: As we've already mentioned, crafts can be a great way to help kids focus and express themselves. So, don't forget to incorporate some mindfulness craft activities into your mindfulness routine!
4. Utilise mindful breathing techniques: Mindful breathing can be a great mindfulness tool, working to calm the mind and body. When teaching kids mindfulness, utilise some simple, mindful, deep breathing techniques to help them relax and focus. Deep breathing resets the nervous system and can help to encourage mindfulness as they develop.

Now that you know a bit more about mindfulness and how it can benefit kids, let's take a look at some key craft activities you can do with your children to help them.

5 Mindfulness Crafts Activities For Kids

Kids are more likely to stick with mindfulness if they enjoy the activities that they are doing, that's why we recommend choosing fun and engaging activities that they can fully focus their attention on, like crafts. Here are some crafty mindfulness activities for kids that you can try:

Make a vision board

Help your child to create a vision board of things that they would like to achieve or manifest in their life. This is a great way to help them focus on their goals and dreams and get creative too!

How to make a vision board mindfully with children:

1. Start by discussing what a vision board is and helping your child understand the general concept.
2. Give your child some time to think about their goals and what they would like to put on their vision board. They can either do this alone or with your help. Would they like to learn a new skill? Go on holiday? Spend more time with family or friends?
3. Once they have an idea of what they would like to put on their vision board, help them to gather any materials you will need, such as magazines, scissors, glue, etc.
4. Then, it's time to get creative! Encourage your child to mindfully cut out images and words that represent their goals and glue them onto their board. As they are working, encourage your child to focus on their breathing and the present moment. Remind them that it's okay if their mind wanders, they can just bring their attention back to their breathing and continue with their task.

Wood & Clay Craft Kits

Wood & clay craft kits are great for children as they provide everything that they need to make a beautiful and unique creation. And, because kids can use their hands to create something, it can help them to really focus and be in the present moment.

Craft activities like this Make a Lion Wood & Clay Kit can be a wonderful opportunity for children to get creative, have fun and practise mindfulness all at the same time!

How to use a wood and clay craft kit mindfully with children:

1. Start by showing your child the kit and telling them a bit about what they will be making. Take a look at the box together and discuss the different elements that you will need to use and how you might do it.
2. As you are opening the kit, explain to your child that they will need to be careful as some of the pieces are delicate. Help them to find a safe and creative place to work on their project.
3. Once everything is laid out, encourage your child to take a deep breath and focus on the present moment.
4. Now it's time to get crafting! As you work together, talk about the different colours, shapes and textures that you can sense. How does the clay feel? How is it different from wood? Help your child to really focus on their senses and what they can see, feel, smell, etc. in the present moment, making the whole activity a mindfulness exercise - with a final craft masterpiece!

Make worry dolls

A worry doll is a small toy that children can give their worries to. As such, it can be a useful tool to help children become more aware and mindful of their emotions and worries. To make one, or a whole pack, you can use matchsticks, spools of thread, pipe cleaners, and other small pieces of materials to make small dolls.

How to make worry dolls mindfully with your kids:

1. Start by discussing worry dolls with your child and why they might be helpful. Explain that sometimes we all have worries and it's okay to talk about them. Discuss how when they have worries, they can give them to their worry doll and the doll will take care of them.
2. Then, help your child to gather all of the materials they will need to make their doll/s. Once they have everything they need, encourage them to focus on their breathing and begin making their doll/s. You can make some alongside your child, or simply be there to offer support if needed.
3. Once finished, encourage your child to spend a few minutes talking to their doll/s about their worries. You can either stay or leave for this, depending on how shy your child is. They can then put their doll/s away until they need them again.

3D Construction Kits

3D cardboard construction kits are a great way for kids to use their imaginations and be creative while also practising mindfulness over a prolonged period of time. These kits often come with everything that children need to make a 3D model, such as cardboard pieces, templates and instructions.

From a Fire Station to a Princess Castle, there are many different 3D cardboard construction kits available for children to make their own mindful models.

How to use 3D cardboard construction kits mindfully with your kids:

1. When unpacking the kit, explain to your child what they will be making and go through the instructions together. As you are doing this, encourage your child to focus on their breathing and be in the present moment.
2. Once everything is laid out, help your child to find a comfortable and safe place to work.
3. Then, it's time to start building! Encourage your child to take their time, focusing on the task at hand. As they are working, talk about the different colours, shapes and textures that they can see, and how they are using the instructions manual.
4. If your child begins to get frustrated or overwhelmed, take a break! This is a mindfulness exercise, not a race to see who can finish first. Help your child to understand that it's okay to take their time and that the most important thing is to be in the present moment.
5. Once the model is finished, encourage your child to take a step back and admire their handiwork. Talk about how proud you are of them and how well they did. This is a great opportunity to discuss the importance of mindfulness and how it can help us in our everyday lives.

Buttonbag kids crafts & sewing kits

Buttonbag craft kits are perfect for children who want to get creative and practise mindfulness.

With kits such as the Flower Fairy Kit, which includes everything needed to make cute and cuddly flower fairy accessories, to the Mouse House Kit, which helps kids to make their very own mouse house complete with furniture, these kits provide hours of fun whilst also helping children to focus and be in the present moment.

How to use Buttonbag kids crafts & sewing kits mindfully:

1. Start by showing your child the kit and telling them about what they will be making. Take a look at the box together and discuss the different materials you will be using.
2. Help your child get comfortable with the kit by letting them explore it and play with the materials for a few minutes and notice how they feel.
3. Then, use your handy instructions booklet to guide you and your child through making the project step-by-step. As you work together, talk about the different colours, textures and patterns that you can see, feel and smell.

Looking For Creative Mindfulness Craft Activities For Kids?

At Fiesta Crafts, all of our creative toys, games and activities are built with a child's development in mind.

From these arts and crafts kits to hand puppets, spelling games and more, our products are designed to help children learn, grow and most importantly, have fun!

But that's not all - we also believe in the power of mindfulness and the importance of teaching children how to relax and be present in the moment, which is why we put together this handy guide.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your kids crafting and encourage them to be mindful at the same time! We hope these ideas have helped.