10 useful relaxation activities and games for children

Relaxation activities and games for children, especially when they stimulate observation, imagination and breathing, can be a good way to help children calm down and get rid of various tensions, including muscular ones.

Being a mom, I know the struggle of dealing with a boring, crying and tantrum-throwing child. Just like ours, children’s mood is unfortunately affected by all those stressful factors (noise, lack of space, discussions, travel, busy schedules, illnesses, various pressures) that they have to deal with on a daily basis.
It follows that children become easily irritable, aggressive, but above all tired (and we with them).

In these cases, what can be done to help children find the calm and serenity they deserve?

Activities and relaxation games for children

Everyone knows their children and over time learns which are the best ways to deal with moments of stress and tiredness, but it is often worth trying alternative solutions.

 For example, relaxation activities and games for children  – especially when they stimulate observation, imagination, breathing –  can be a good way to help children calm down and get rid of various tensions, including muscles.

So here are some useful ideas for games to calm down and relax children to repeat at home at any time of the day.

Stress balls

Stress balls are a good way to relax not only adults but also children. In fact, it seems that crumpling, stretching and squeezing these soft balls helps to release tension and bad mood. They can be made at home by filling simple balloons with flour.

Jar of Calm (variant)

The jar of calm is a Montessori-inspired tool/game and is used to calm children after a crying spell or when children are particularly upset. The classic jar of calm is a jar full of liquid and glitter, but you can also make other types (with rubber bands, colored jellies…). When needed, just shake it to attract the child’s attention and bring him back to the present moment. The jar of calm can be made at home as our friend Francesca did. Examples → Classic Jar of Calm and Variation Jar of Calm

Zen garden

Creating a miniature Zen garden at home is an activity that is also suitable for the little ones and helps them relax especially after particularly tiring days. A Zen garden for children can be created easily with a small tray, some sand and stones and a fork to use as a small rake. Play together with the children almost as a sort of ritual and show them how pleasant and relaxing it is to pass the rake on the sand. Don’t forget to underline that the Zen garden must be kept with care.

Smell game

Here is another type of jars that will help you calm and cheer up children who are a little too upset. Prepare glass jars or bottles and aromas such as spices and scented leaves and invite the children to smell and recognize their contents . Try to avoid too strong smells and choose the most delicate ones. This game enhances inspiration and stimulates the imagination.

Jenga

Rain Stick

We all know how relaxing and pleasant it is to hear the rain falling. And the rain stick is really a musical instrument that imitates the sound of the rain, so it can be used whenever you need to find calm and relaxation. It is very easy to build them and can be done using elements that are easily available at home (cardboard tube, nails, colored paper, seeds or grains of rice).

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The quiet space

Creating a quiet space where the child can go and take refuge in peace can be a good way to help the child calm down.
It can be done in any corner of the house as long as it is in a safe place, not too stimulating and possibly away from noise. You can make it cozy with cushions, sensory games and your favorite cuddly toys and once it’s ready, explain to the child that this will be a space only for them to use whenever they feel the need. Having a little space of their own where to be in solitude is no doubt.
Example→ Quiet area

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Coloring the mandalas

Coloring mandalas  is an activity with enormous potential for both children and adults. It’s a very fun activity but above all  coloring mandalas  teaches you to work with patience, stimulates creativity, improves concentration, increases hand-eye coordination and above all has an extremely relaxing effect. It is suitable for all children especially those who like to color.

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Yoga exercises

Well yes, yoga is also good for children. This is confirmed by numerous studies which claim that asanas (yoga positions) stimulate attention, concentration and memory and above all are therapeutic. In fact they have an extraordinary calming effect and can benefit nervous and particularly anxious children.
Introducing children to yoga is not difficult. Many schools have introduced it into physical education programs and you can find good teachers to take lessons from almost everywhere. Alternatively and as a first step, you can read books on how to teach yoga to children.

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Sensory games

Finally, among the relaxation games for children, I want to include all those sensory games which, as such, help to stimulate the five senses and curiosity of children. I had dealt with it in the past and I invite you to read the recommended reading where I explain how to create DIY sensory games to offer to children even in the most critical moments.

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Since every child is different from the other, it is likely that some of these games will work for your child and others will not. Try them and if you want…cross your fingers 🙂