Feng Shui for Kids: 10 Tips to Improve Sleep and Reduce Anxiety

Did you know that you can use the art, science, practicality and magic of feng shui to help your child sleep better and reduce anxiety? Feng shui has been around for thousands of years, and is based on the premise that our homes and work — places where we spend a lot of time — fundamentally affect all aspects of our lives and well-being. Making these spaces as functional and welcoming as possible positively influences us and those we are in contact with.

I have been practicing feng shui my whole life — often without even really realizing it — through the way I arrange furniture and accessories, to sensing the energy of a space, to knowing what colors, textures and materials to use in a room. And you likely have been doing some of these things too.

How feng shui can benefit kids

As parents, helping our children live their best lives is a top priority. I know this is true for me as I raise my 14-year-old daughter here in Seattle. One way we can support our kids is by ensuring that their bedroom is a calm and organized space. Bedrooms are where we rest and reset, and it is important for kids (and adults) to have their own personal space for self-expression. But colors that are too bold, messiness or very “active” artwork can all contribute to an excited, possibly agitated energy that is not conducive to peacefulness and sleep. This is where feng shui can help.

While the layout of each home presents unique challenges, these feng shui tips for your child’s bedroom are general enough that they can be applied in most situations. And parents, some of these tips are great for your bedroom, too!

Feng shui tips for your child’s bedroom

Let kids help design their space

First of all, your child’s bedroom should be their space. Everyone in the family needs a place to call their own. Find out what they like and do not like about their room, and listen without judgment. It is important they feel safety and ownership in knowing they have a space to make their own (though sometimes parents may need to inject a bit of gentle guidance, when necessary).

Clear the clutter under the bed

Ideally, keep the area under the bed clean and clear. If there must be items stored there, make sure it is well-organized and clean. This is important because chaos under the bed can create unsettled sleep. And we all know how we feel when we get poor sleep! If you are interested in bringing in a little bit more magic to the space, a selenite crystal log placed under the bed is good for purifying any negative or heavy energy.

Declutter (even the hidden spots)

General clutter clearing is super important. Get rid of clothes that aren’t needed and go through toys and games regularly. Don’t forget about the drawers! Desk drawers and bins may not be out in the open, but even those can cause energetic issues. In feng shui, nothing is hidden.

Keep the space above the bed clear

Artwork or anything hanging over the head of the bed can feel unsettling, as though it may topple down during the night. Try to relocate anything that may be there to a different space in their room, leaving the area clear.

Create a screen-free sleep zone

Any sort of screen should be out of the room well before bedtime, and wireless items need to be at least 3 feet from the bed, routers 6–10 feet. Not only are screens distracting, but EMFs can also cause trouble. Even screens that are turned off, like TVs or computer screens that you can see from bed, have a stimulating energy to them. Consider covering them with a cloth at night for a few weeks to a month, just to see if you notice any difference.

Watch what’s below (and around) the room

Is the bedroom over a garage or a busy room like the kitchen? Bedrooms above these rooms “feel” that busy energy. These spaces would be much better suited for an office or family room. If this location is the only option for the bedroom, install carpeting or a large area rug to buffer the noise and energy. Make sure that the rug fits fully under the bed. Also, keep in mind that if you have a vehicle in the garage, fumes could leak up into the bedroom. Always have the garage door open when the car is on, and make sure to move it out of there quickly.

Rethink mirrors in the bedroom

Keep mirrors out of the bedroom. These can feel unsettling in the dark for kids, and adults as well. If they can’t be moved, cover them with a curtain or some sort of cloth at night. Just like covering TVs and computer screens, give it a try for a while to see if you notice a difference.

Choose a bed that grows with your child

Skip those toddler-size beds and go straight to the size you’d like your child to sleep in for the rest of the time they live in your house. Bigger beds allow for easier bedtime reading and snuggles, plus a parent can always crawl in easily to help soothe a scared or sick kid.

Keep sleep spaces dark and calm

Make sure that the room is dark and quiet for sleeping. During the day, open the curtains and windows (when possible) to energize the space while everyone is awake.

Refresh the room’s energy

You can perform your own simple space-clearing ritual. Start by setting an intention, such as, “This room is a supportive sanctuary for my child’s highest good,” or say a prayer, whatever feels right to you. You can ring bells, sing, clap your hands, burn sage or palo santo, or turn on some enjoyable tunes. Even just swapping out some décor for a new look gives a refreshing feeling. You will likely immediately feel different in the room. It doesn’t have to take long for the mood of a space to change.

Taking just 10 minutes now and then to think about and adjust the feng shui in your child’s bedroom can make an incredible difference. Good luck!