Healthy Habits for a Busy School Year: Books that Teach Wellness and Self-Care for Kids
The start of the school year brings excitement, new routines, and sometimes a little bit of stress for both kids and parents. As schedules fill up with homework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it's essential to keep children's physical and emotional well-being in focus. Teaching kids about wellness and self-care early on can set them up for success throughout the school year—and beyond.
Books are a wonderful tool to help children understand the importance of taking care of their bodies and minds. In this blog, we’ll explore some healthy habits for the school year and recommend books that encourage wellness, self-care, and balance for young readers.
Healthy Habits for a Successful School Year
Helping children develop healthy habits at an early age empowers them to take responsibility for their well-being. Here are a few key habits to focus on:
Physical Activity
Staying active is vital for a child's physical health and mental sharpness. Encouraging daily movement, whether through sports, dancing, or simple outdoor play, can help children release energy and stay focused during school. Books that illustrate the joys of staying active can motivate children to incorporate physical movement into their daily routine.Balanced Nutrition
Proper nutrition fuels kids for their busy days. Teaching children about healthy eating and the benefits of a balanced diet is important, especially when junk food options can be tempting. Reading stories that emphasize nutrition and making smart food choices can create a positive relationship with food.Emotional Well-Being
As kids juggle school, friendships, and family life, stress and anxiety can sometimes arise. Helping children recognize and express their emotions while practicing mindfulness and self-care can be a benefit. Books that talk about managing feelings, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating kindness can equip kids with emotional tools to navigate a busy school year.Quality Sleep
Establishing a bedtime routine is important for children to get enough rest and recharge for the next day. Creating consistent sleep habits, such as reading before bed, can signal to children that rest is a part of taking care of themselves. Bedtime stories that promote relaxation and winding down can be part of a healthy sleep routine.
Book Recommendations for Wellness and Self-Care
To help teach kids about these healthy habits, here are a few book recommendations that cover wellness, mindfulness, and self-care:
1. "I Am Yoga" by Susan Verde
Ages 4-8
This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces children to the practice of yoga as a way to calm their minds and bodies. Through simple language and playful poses, I Am Yoga encourages kids to find peace and relaxation, even in the midst of a busy day.
2. "The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness" by Lizzy Rockwell
Ages 4-8
This fun, informative book helps children understand the importance of staying active. With engaging illustrations and easy-to-read text, The Busy Body Book explains how different parts of the body work together to keep us moving, offering kids a fresh perspective on why exercise is important for overall wellness.
3. "Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree" by Gail Silver
Ages 4-8
For children who experience anxiety, Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree is a gentle story about how mindfulness can help manage worries. Bea learns to use breathing exercises and visualization techniques to work through her feelings. This book can be a helpful tool for kids who feel overwhelmed by school or other pressures.
4. "Yummy Yucky" by Leslie Patricelli
Ages 1-3
For younger readers, this simple yet humorous book introduces kids to the idea of making healthy food choices. Using contrasting examples of "yummy" and "yucky" foods, Yummy Yucky can encourage little ones to start thinking about nutrition in a fun way.
5. "What’s On Your Plate? Exploring the World of Food" by Whitney Stewart
Ages 5-9
This book takes children on a journey around the world, exploring different types of food and how they fuel our bodies. By highlighting diverse cuisines and nutritional choices, What’s On Your Plate? promotes a global perspective on healthy eating while celebrating cultural diversity.
6. "A Good Night's Sleep" by Mary Lindeen
Ages 6-9
Sleep is an essential part of self-care, and this book teaches children about the importance of a restful night. By explaining why sleep matters and offering tips for developing good sleep habits, A Good Night's Sleep can help kids form a healthy routine that ensures they’re well-rested for their school day.
7. "Breathe Like a Bear" by Kira Willey
Ages 4-8
This interactive book offers 30 simple and fun mindfulness exercises that help kids manage stress and emotions. Breathe Like a Bear features short stories and activities that encourage breathing techniques, relaxation, and focus—skills children can use in any stressful or busy situation.
How Parents Can Encourage Healthy Habits
While books are an excellent tool for teaching healthy habits, parents play a key role in reinforcing wellness and self-care at home. Here are a few tips:
Set Consistent Routines: Establishing consistent morning, after-school, and bedtime routines helps children feel secure and manage their time effectively.
Lead by Example: Model healthy habits yourself, whether it’s eating nutritious meals, getting exercise, or practicing mindfulness. Kids are more likely to adopt these behaviors if they see their parents doing the same.
Create Open Conversations: Use books as a starting point for conversations about wellness and self-care. Discuss how the characters in the stories practice self-care and how your child can do the same in their daily life.
To Conclude
A busy school year doesn’t have to come at the expense of children’s health and well-being. By encouraging healthy habits like physical activity, emotional well-being, balanced nutrition, and proper sleep, we can help kids thrive both in and out of the classroom. And with the help of thoughtful books, children can learn how to take care of themselves while enjoying the joy of reading.
This school year, let’s empower our children to practice self-care and wellness, ensuring they feel their best both mentally and physically.
If interested in titles shared, please be kind enough to purchase items on our bookshop, see here for more details. Shopping on our bookshop is a great way to support us as a bookstore and other independent bookstores.
