Adults are not the only ones who occasionally need a mental health day. Kids, too, can feel overwhelmed by the pressures of academics, social life, and other activities. It’s important for them to have time to recharge. Continue reading to discover 10 mental health activities for kids suggested by a mental health professional to help restore their emotional balance.
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**”Even if I’m okay with my child taking a mental health day, what would we do?”**
This question often puzzles parents considering giving their stressed child a day off from school or daily duties. Fortunately, the answer is simpler than you might think and requires no special preparation or expense. While your child might be tempted to spend the day glued to screens, engaging in some of these activities can make their day off more productive, providing a much-needed emotional reset.
Start the day with a conversation about your expectations, and let your child choose some activities. This can help them embrace the day and regain a sense of calm and confidence.
**Powerful Mental Health Day Activities for Kids**
**Related Reading: [100 Ways to Boost Mental Health](#)**
One of the best things you can do for your child on a mental health day is to connect with them emotionally and relationally. This means giving them your full attention and truly listening to understand their thoughts and feelings, not just to respond. Warm, sensitive responses from parents help children form secure, trusting relationships that boost confidence and emotional health. Additionally, studies show that supportive parenting can protect kids from toxic stress.
**Pro Tip:** For younger kids, connection often happens through play rather than conversation. Pay attention to how your child usually opens up.
Physical activity is highly beneficial for mental health. Movement helps release emotions, boosts feel-good endorphins, and lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Aerobic exercise is particularly effective for reducing depression and anxiety, often naturally appealing to kids.
According to the American Psychological Association, children who exercise tend to have less depression, stress, and psychological distress, along with improved self-image, life satisfaction, and well-being.
**Pro Tip:** Let your child pick an activity to “move our bodies,” offering them control if needed.
Life can sometimes feel like running on a treadmill—full of never-ending tasks. To help your child gain perspective and reflect, their brain needs some quiet time. Quiet moments allow for important brain growth and regeneration.
Silence encourages self-reflection and daydreaming, boosting awareness and mindfulness.
**Pro Tip:** Schedule some open, unscheduled time for your child to explore freely.
Play is a crucial way children learn and relieve stress. It gives them control, as play is driven by personal choice. Fantasy play lets them create worlds where they decide what happens, offering stress-reducing predictability and control.
**Pro Tip:** Don’t be shy about getting silly with your child. Let them lead playtime to meet their need for control.
**Related Reading: [75 Calm Down Strategies for Kids](#)**
Journaling can be a powerful mental health day activity, helping kids process and externalize emotions safely. Writing provides a judgment-free space for creative exploration and problem-solving.
**Pro Tip:** Use emotion flashcards to prompt them in expressing and understanding their feelings.
Creating art is another great way for kids to channel and work through emotions. Art promotes emotional regulation and mindfulness while providing a safe emotional outlet.
**Pro Tip:** Set up an inviting space with various art tools for your child to choose from.
Music therapy is often used in pediatric hospitals due to its calming effects. Music can either boost energy or help kids slow down and relax.
**Pro Tip:** Check out relaxation playlists on Spotify or explore Nancy Kopman’s music collection for kids.
A typical child’s diet often includes too much processed food, but a mental health day is a chance to incorporate healthier options. Good nutrition can improve mood and establish better habits long-term.
**Pro Tip:** Try making a healthy recipe together to enjoy mood-boosting and bonding benefits.
**Related Reading: [75 Ways to Show Love to Your Child](#)**
Mindfulness activities, like meditation, help kids focus on the present, shifting them from stress to calm. Benefits include improved focus, self-control, and academic performance, and reduced stress and anxiety.
**Pro Tip:** Explore tools that promote mindfulness with kids.
A mental health day is perfect for reflecting on what’s working and what needs improvement. Planning, problem-solving, and goal-setting are key for meaningful progress.
**Pro Tip:** Use goal-setting resources to make the process straightforward for you and your child.
Spending time in nature offers long-documented benefits such as reduced stress hormones and improved mood.
**Pro Tip:** Take an indoor activity outside—bring lunch, books, or a game to enjoy nature.
Kids face stressors daily, from academic pressure to social challenges. Allowing them a break with these mental health activities can help them relax, reflect, and reset.
**Check Out More Articles in the Series:**
– Kids Need Mental Health Days: 9 Misconceptions
– 7 Signs Your Child Needs a Mental Health Day
**Other Parenting Articles:**
– [75 Awesome Calm Down Strategies for Kids](#)
– [The Best Mindset for Parenting a Spirited Child](#)
– [10 Insights from a Family Therapist](#)
– [Easy Ways to Bond with Your Child](#)
– [10 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mood and Behavior](#)
**Note:** This post was initially published on July 12, 2021, and has been updated.
