Valentine’s Day is no longer just a single day, it's become a season full of hearts, hugs, and candy-covered everything. From classroom card swaps to family dinners and pink pancakes, kids are surrounded by messages about love. But in the middle of all that sweet celebration, there's one person kids often forget to share some love with: themselves.
That’s where the Self-Love Letter Project comes in.
Our simple activity invites kids to write a love letter to the most important person in their lives — the one they see in the mirror. With a few thoughtful prompts (and maybe a sprinkle of glitter), kids can learn how to recognize their strengths, celebrate their uniqueness, and practice the kind of kindness that starts from the inside out.
Why self-love matters
For kids, self-love isn’t just a nice idea, it’s foundational. Confidence, resilience, empathy, and emotional wellbeing all start with a strong sense of self. When children learn to value who they are, they’re better equipped to navigate friendships, challenges, and even those big feelings that can sometimes overwhelm them.
A self-love letter helps build that foundation by encouraging children to slow down and reflect on what makes them proud, unique, and strong. It also gives parents and caregivers a beautiful opportunity to model and reinforce those reflections.
What goes into a self-love letter?
The Self-Love Letter Project is easy to do at home or in a classroom. All you need is a quiet space, a few minutes of your child’s attention, and our downloadable card template.
Kids are invited to fill in the blanks or draw their responses to prompts like:
I feel proud of myself when I...
One thing that makes me special is...
Something I’m really good at is...
My body is amazing because it can...
If your child needs a little help, share a memory that highlights their strengths or unique qualities. “Remember how you practiced for your dance recital even when it felt hard? That shows your dedication.”
And don’t forget: you can write one too. Kids learn self-love by seeing it in action. When they hear you speak kindly to yourself and celebrate your own efforts, it shows them how to do the same.
Self-love is for every body
One of our favorite prompts is about the body: "My body is amazing because it can..." This one can feel tricky, especially in a world filled with unrealistic ideals. That’s why we encourage kids (and grown-ups!) to focus on what their bodies can do, like:
"I can do a perfect cartwheel."
"I can sleep through thunderstorms."
"My body healed my broken arm!"
"No one can dance as silly as I do."
All bodies deserve love and appreciation, and all kids deserve to feel proud of what makes them unique.
Keep the love going
Once your child has finished their letter, find a special place to keep it, like on the fridge, in a folder, or taped to the bathroom mirror. It can help them remember they’re great just the way they are, even on tough days.
You can even turn it into a weekly ritual: "What’s one thing you liked about yourself today?"
Self-love grows with practice. And like any good Valentine, it only gets sweeter with time.
Download the Self-Love Letter Project toolkit and help your child discover the joy of loving who they are.
Need more support?
BrightLife Kids offers free behavioral health coaching, digital tools, and care coordination for families with kids ages 0–12. It’s simple, compassionate help — at no cost to you and signing up only takes a few minutes.