Could mindfulness art therapy boost your kids' mental health?
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Sometimes kids need a little help processing their feelings. Discover how a mindfulness art therapy practice can help kids better express themselves and 10 types to try at home.
Kids feel big emotions every day. The excitement of a playdate or the joy or a favorite toy can have them bouncing off the walls, but at other times, frustration, sadness, or worry can reduce them to tears. They might not always have the words to explain these feelings, and that can lead them to act out, shut down, or just melt down. It’s tough on them, and it’s hard for you, too.
As parents or caregivers, we want to help, but when our children are struggling and we don’t know why, it’s not always easy to know how. So what can you do?
Everyone is different, but many kids benefit from mindfulness art therapy. Simple activities like coloring, finger painting, drawing, or making shapes from clay can create a safe space for kids to relax, unwind and let their feelings come through naturally.
The best part is, you can try mindfulness art therapy from the comfort of your home — and you don’t need an instructor to guide you. Even without training, you can help your kids connect with their emotions in a gentle way, one brushstroke at a time.
What is mindfulness art therapy for kids?
Mindfulness art therapy is a blend of two calming practices: art and mindfulness. The idea is that you can help your child quiet their mind by giving them space to explore their feelings safely and through the lens of creativity.
When you’re being mindful, you’re focused on the here and now. Mindfulness art therapy allows kids to slow down and notice little things — how the brush feels against the paper, how the colors mix together, or how clay squishes between their fingers. There’s no rush to finish a project, and there’s no pressure for the finished piece to look perfect.
Another great thing about mindfulness art therapy is that there are lots of ways to do it. Kids can use any number of materials, including paint, crayons, markers, clay, or even items found in nature — whatever appeals to them. And while they can do these exercises with a professional art therapist, they can also just do it with a trusted adult or by themselves if they’re old enough.
What are the benefits of art therapy for kids?
Mindfulness art therapy can be especially impactful for those who have anxiety, trauma, ADHD, or special needs. That’s because it’s all about helping kids express themselves, process emotions, and build important life skills so they can heal.
Emotional regulation: Creating art can help kids process difficult emotions, especially if it’s difficult for them to talk about their feelings. This can reduce outbursts and anxiety, and help them grow.
Improved focus: Mindful activities train kids to concentrate, which can come in handy at school.
Self-expression: Art helps children to express feelings they can’t articulate.
Confidence building: Completing an art project can give children a sense of accomplishment, which can improve their self-esteem.
Reduced stress: The calming effect of mindfulness can lower stress hormones, helping kids feel more relaxed.
Strengthens problem-solving skills: Artistic experimentation strengthens kids’ problem-solving skills and teaches them that mistakes happen.
Promotes mindfulness and body awareness: Mindfulness art therapy includes kids to become more aware of how their bodies feel and how their emotions shift, which can help them recognize early signs of stress or frustration.
10 types of mindfulness art therapy for kids
Staying present can be difficult for adults who have more experience with patience and impulse control, so imagine what it’s like for a kid. By combining mindfulness practice with a creative activity it can help kids practice stillness, and being present, while still engaging their fast moving brains.
Mindfulness art therapy doesn’t have to be complicated — and the end product doesn’t have to look a certain way. Instead, the focus is on enjoying the process and staying present. Here are ten mindfulness art therapy activities perfect for kids.
1. Focus on the detail in mandala drawing
Mandalas are circular designs filled with patterns and shapes, and drawing or coloring them can be soothing for kids.
Try this: Start by drawing a simple circle on paper, and let your child fill it with repeating patterns or colors. Encourage them to focus on each stroke, paying attention to the movement of their hand and the way the pencil or marker feels on the paper. This quiet, repetitive action can help calm their mind and reduce anxiety.
2. Get hands-on with finger painting
Finger painting is a sensory-rich activity that allows kids to explore textures. It’s also just plain ole fun for kids to get a little bit messy without getting in trouble.
Try this: Set up a space where they can freely dip their fingers into paint and spread it across the paper. Talk about how the paint feels to them—cool, smooth, or slippery—and what it looks like when different colors blend together. This simple activity keeps kids focused on the present moment and gives them freedom to express emotions in a playful, creative way.
3. Breathe and draw
Combine mindful breathing with drawing to help kids connect their breath to their art. This can be a great way to calm nerves or release tension after a stressful day. It also shows children in real time how working with the breath can help calm their bodies and minds.
Try this: Give your child a piece of paper and some crayons or markers. Get them to take a deep breath in, and as they exhale, draw a line or shape. Repeat this with each breath, creating a flowing piece of art that reflects the rhythm of their breathing.
💙 To guide your child in breathing, have them try the Breathe Like The Ocean with Moana meditation.
4. Be inspired by collage making
Creating a collage is an excellent way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings visually. It’s a reflective process that can help them develop self-awareness and practice mindfulness.
Try this: To create a mood board or visual diary, gather old magazines, newspapers, and scraps of paper, and encourage your child to cut out images, words, or colors that appeal to them. You can talk together about how the pictures make them feel as they glue the pieces they’ve chosen onto a larger sheet.
5. Use the power of nature
Take art therapy outdoors to bring in an extra element to your child’s mindful practice. This can be especially useful if a kid has been cooped up inside a classroom all day, or at home for days on end when the weather is bad.
Try this: Go on a short walk and gather leaves, flowers, twigs, or rocks. When you return home, let your child use these items in their artwork — pressing leaves onto paper, arranging pebbles into patterns, or painting rocks. Encourage them to focus on the textures and shapes of the natural materials, which helps ground them in the present moment.
6. Gratitude drawing
We know as adults how powerful a gratitude practice can be, so teaching kids how to starting doing this at a young age can be an amazing tool for them. In the wider sense, gratitude practice leads to better overall mental health, in the more immediate sense, focusing on positive feelings can shift a child’s mood and mindset. This can help cultivate a sense of appreciation and joy, reducing stress and boosting emotional wellbeing.
Try this: Ask your child to draw something they feel thankful for, like their pet, family, a favorite toy, a good friend or a fun memory. As they draw, ask them to think about why they’re grateful for this person or object.
7. Clay or playdough sculpting
Any time you combine mindfulness with a physical activity that engages the body it can be grounding. Working with clay or playdough is a hands-on activity that engages the senses and encourages mindfulness. This can be especially helpful for kids who enjoy sensory play or need an outlet for restless energy.
Try this: Give your child a lump of clay and let them shape, press, and mold it however they like. The tactile experience of focusing on the physical sensations of sculpting can be grounding.
8. Water painting
If you’re looking for a mess-free option, try water painting! It’s simple yet calming, and perfect for younger kids or those who get frustrated with traditional art. Plus you don’t really need any major supplies aside from a brush, some paper and your faucet.
Try this: Give your child a brush and a bowl of water, and let them paint on construction paper or a chalkboard. As the water dries, the images will fade, allowing the focus to stay on the process rather than the result. If it’s a nice day and you have outdoor space, they can create bigger designs on a patio, and watch as they fade in the sun.
9. Sensory drawing with music
Music can help children connect with their bodies and their feelings. Turn on some music and ask your child to draw whatever comes to mind. The combination of music and art creates a multi-sensory experience that can be deeply relaxing.
Try this: Turn on soft, calming music and give your child some drawing materials. Encourage them to match their strokes and colors to the rhythm or mood of the song.
💙 Songs for Cozy Mornings is the perfect backdrop for a quiet doodling session.
10. Abstract emotion art
Sometimes kids can’t explain how they’re feeling, but they can express it through abstract art. This activity helps kids process their emotions visually, even if they don’t fully understand them yet.
Try this: Give them a blank canvas or sheet of paper and ask them to draw or paint their feelings using different colors and shapes. Reassure them that there’s no right or wrong way to do it.
Mindfulness art therapy for kids FAQs
How do you do mindfulness art therapy activities with children?
Start by creating a calm, distraction-free space with simple art supplies like paper, crayons, or paint. Encourage your child to focus on how the materials feel and the colors they choose, guiding them gently without pressure. The goal is to help them stay in the moment, not create perfect art.
If they lose focus, calmly bring their attention back by asking about their drawing or how they feel. Keep the activity light, allowing your child to explore freely, and remind them that the process matters more than the result.
Hoping to help your children learn about self-esteem and confidence? Explore these 50 positive affirmations for kids.
Can mindfulness art therapy help children with anxiety?
Mindfulness art therapy can reduce anxiety by helping children express emotions without words. Creating art slows their breathing, lowers stress, and brings focus to the present moment. This can provide relief from racing thoughts and overwhelming feelings.
Regularly adding mindfulness art therapy into their routine, even for 15–20 minutes, can help children develop healthier coping skills and feel more grounded when they’re anxious.
Check out these 12 self-care tips for kids, and learn why self-care is important!
Is art therapy okay for children with special needs?
Art therapy is highly adaptable and can work well for children with special needs. Art allows them to express emotions and ideas in non-verbal, sensory-friendly ways. You can modify activities to fit their abilities, using larger tools that are easier to grip, or softer materials that they can manipulate freely. This approach helps build confidence, emotional awareness, and motor skills, making art therapy an accessible and rewarding experience for children of all abilities.
Do you need a professional to lead a mindfulness art therapy session for a child?
While professional art therapists offer valuable support, you can easily practice mindfulness art at home without one. Simple activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting can help children relax and express themselves.
Still, for children with deeper emotional needs or trauma, you might want to consider speaking with a professional therapist for structured guidance. Explore these nine mental health lessons all kids should know.
How often should a child participate in art therapy sessions to see benefits?
As with any kind of therapy, consistency is important. Engaging in short, regular sessions of 15–30 minutes of art therapy once or twice a week can help children regulate emotions and improve focus over time.
If your child really enjoys mindfulness art therapy, consider letting them do it daily, and hopefully, you’ll see noticeable benefits in no time.
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