Love Notes to Myself: A Free Valentine’s Day SEL Activity for Kids

Valentine’s Day is often centered around showing love to others — giving cards, candy, and kind notes to friends and family. But one of the most important love messages children can receive is the one they tell themselves.

That’s why I created a FREE Valentine’s Day SEL worksheet for kids called Love Notes to Myself — a gentle, confidence-building activity that helps children reflect on what makes them special, brave, and worthy of love, just the way they are.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or caregiver, this printable is a meaningful way to support children’s emotional well-being during Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Valentine’s Day SEL Activity for Kids: What Is “Love Notes to Myself”?

Love Notes to Myself is a very simple one-page self-love worksheet for kids designed to encourage positive self-talk, emotional awareness, and self-compassion.

Through simple, kid-friendly prompts, children are invited to reflect on:

• One thing they love about themselves

• Something that makes them special and unique

• Something about themselves they are proud of

This activity gives kids a tangible reminder that they are worthy of love and kindness — especially from themselves.

Why Self-Love and SEL Matter for Kids

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps children develop skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful opportunity to reinforce these skills in a meaningful, age-appropriate way.

When children practice self-love and positive self-talk, they learn that:

• Their feelings matter

• Their voice matters

• They don’t have to be perfect to be worthy

• They are allowed to be proud of themselves

• They are brave for trying hard things

As a children’s book author who writes stories focused on confidence, courage, and individuality, I believe these messages are just as important as learning letters and numbers. Activities like Love Notes to Myself help children internalize these ideas in a gentle, empowering way.

Who This Valentine’s Day SEL Activity Is For

This Valentine’s Day SEL activity for kids is perfect for:

• Families looking for a meaningful Valentine’s activity

• Classroom teachers (preschool, elementary, and early middle)

• School counselors and social workers

• Therapists and mental health professionals

• Homeschool families

• After-school programs

• Community groups

It works beautifully as:

• A morning meeting activity

• A journaling or reflection prompt

• A calm-down corner resource

• A counseling session tool

• A Valentine’s Day classroom center

How This Freebie Connects to My Books

This worksheet aligns closely with the themes in my children’s books:

• The Only Me → celebrating individuality and self-worth

• Stella’s Brave Voice → honoring courage and speaking up

• Petunia the Perfectionist → practicing self-kindness and letting go of perfection

If your child or students enjoy stories that build emotional awareness and confidence, this freebie is a wonderful companion activity.

⬇️ Download the Free Valentine’s Day SEL Activity for Kids

👉 You can download the Love Notes to Myself printable for free here!

I hope this little activity reminds children — and the grown-ups who care for them — that love isn’t just something we give to others. It’s also something we give to ourselves.

💬 A Note from Me

As a mom of three and a children’s book author who writes stories centered around social-emotional learning, confidence, and kindness, my hope is that this freebie helps children feel seen, valued, and worthy — exactly as they are.

If you use this printable, I’d love to hear how it goes! Tag me on Instagram @MarissaBaderWriter or send me a message — it truly makes my day.