The Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids

“Self-compassion is a powerful resource for coping with whatever life sends our way. When adults learn it, they often say, ‘Why didn’t I learn this sooner?’ Well, now we can start to learn at the earliest possible age. This superb workbook captures the depth and scope of self-compassion in simple, totally delightful practices and activities. Highly recommended for parents, teachers, therapists, and anyone who loves kids.”
—Christopher Germer, PhD, lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, codeveloper of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, and author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion ~Christopher Germer, PhD

“As both a parent and teacher, this workbook by Hobbs and Balentine, The Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids, is my new go-to for teaching, sharing, and supporting kids in learning self-compassion. It’s packed full of so many fun, engaging, and supporting practices that are not only essential to help kids, but also an excellent resource for anyone who teaches, parents, and supports the children of our world. This practical and accessible guide will truly change how we can bring the practices of self-compassion to kids.”
—Lisa Baylis, MEd, teacher, counselor, and author of Self-Compassion for Educators ~Lisa Baylis, MEd

“Hobbs and Balentine have crafted an engaging psychoeducational workbook on self-compassion for youth. The book expertly scaffolds readers from breathing exercises to emotion regulation and values exploration, and includes cleverly linked audio tracks, written mindfulness exercises, yoga, craft activities, and fun educational challenges. It invites children to learn about kindness, compassion, and mindfulness through workbook tasks and added practices. As a child psychologist and author, I highly recommend it!”
—Amy R. Murrell, PhD, licensed psychologist; coauthor of The Joy of Parenting; and author of The Becca Epps Series about Bending Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors ~Amy R. Murrell, PhD

“Lorraine and Amy have created a treasure trove of practices that will help children and their grown-ups cultivate kindness and compassion inside themselves and in the world around them.”
—Christopher Willard, PsyD, faculty at Harvard Medical School, and coauthor of Alphabreaths ~Christopher Willard, PsyD

“Lorraine Hobbs and Amy Balentine’s The Self-Compassion Workbook for Kids is remarkable in its simplicity and usefulness. Its lovely, accessible format gives kids and their caregivers a step-by-step approach to experiencing self-compassion directly, and becoming their own best friend. Highly recommended.”
—Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child, Mindful Games, and The Inner Kids Program ~Susan Kaiser Greenland

“Full of creative and engaging exercises, this gem of a book guides children in developing and practicing the self-compassion that allows us to flourish.”
—Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and Trusting the Gold ~Tara Brach

“Dear Kids, this lovely book takes you on a journey to discover your inner superpower of kindness and mindfulness. You’ll have fun, play games, make crafts, enjoy nature, and learn how to tame your inner dragon and make friends with your inner bully all at the same time!”
—Dzung X. Vo, MD, author of The Mindful Teen ~Dzung X. Vo, MD

“This book is a fabulous resource for children, parents, teachers, and grandparents. The authors make self-compassion accessible and fun, which is no small feat. Packed with creative games and activities, it is both practical and delightful. In fact, it is good for children of all ages!”
—Susan M. Pollak, EdD, cofounder of the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion at Harvard Medical School, and author of Self-Compassion for Parents ~Susan M. Pollak, EdD

“If you are a parent, grandparent, or work with children, I strongly recommend you pick up this book and keep it handy. Full of practical exercises you can use today, it is a beautiful and accessible handbook for helping kids develop the lifelong healthy habit of self-compassion, which we now know is a key building block of psychological resilience and well-being. As a bonus, when you practice with kids, you are sure to benefit as well.”
—Cassandra Vieten, PhD, executive director of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation; acting director of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of California, San Diego; and author of Mindful Motherhood ~Cassandra Vieten, PhD