5 Simple Tarot Spreads for Kids’ Insight

Tarot reading is often seen as a mystical and complex practice reserved for adults. However, it can also be a fun and insightful tool for children, helping them explore their feelings, thoughts, and challenges. By engaging with tarot in a playful and approachable way, kids can develop their intuition, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This article presents five simple tarot spreads specifically designed for young readers, making the experience accessible and enjoyable.

Understanding Tarot for Kids

Before diving into the specific spreads, it’s important to understand how to introduce tarot to children. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

1. Choose Age-Appropriate Decks: Select decks that resonate with children. Many tarot decks feature colorful illustrations and themes that appeal to younger audiences, such as animals or fairytales.

2. Create a Comfortable Environment: Establish a cozy space where kids can explore tarot freely. Provide cushions, art supplies, and a quiet atmosphere to encourage focus and creativity.

3. Emphasize Fun and Playfulness: Approach tarot readings as a game rather than a serious prediction of the future. Encourage kids to use their imagination and interpret the cards in ways that feel right to them.

4. Focus on Emotion and Reflection: Guide children to connect their feelings with the readings. Ask them open-ended questions about what the cards mean to them rather than imposing adult interpretations.

5. Encourage Storytelling: Help kids create stories from their readings. This promotes creativity while enabling them to process their experiences in a non-linear way.

With these principles in mind, let’s explore five simple tarot spreads that can empower kids with insight about themselves and their lives.

1. The One-Card Draw

Overview

The One-Card Draw is one of the simplest tarot spreads, making it perfect for younger readers who may be new to tarot.

How to Do It

1. Shuffle the deck while thinking about a question or topic.
2. Draw one card.
3. Reflect on its meaning together.

Example Questions

• What do I need to know today?
• How can I be more kind to myself?
• What should I pay attention to right now?

Benefits

This spread helps children focus on the present moment, offering quick insights without overwhelming them with information. It encourages mindfulness and personal reflection on daily experiences.

2. The Three-Card Spread

Overview

The Three-Card Spread provides more depth while remaining straightforward. It allows for exploration of past, present, and future influences.

How to Do It

1. Shuffle the deck while considering what they want guidance on (it could be emotions related to school, friendships, etc.).
2. Draw three cards and lay them out from left to right.
3. Assign each card a position:
4. Left: Past
5. Middle: Present
6. Right: Future
7. Discuss what each card might represent in relation to their question.

Example Questions

• What can I learn from my past experiences?
• How am I feeling about this situation right now?
• What might happen if I continue on this path?

Benefits

This spread promotes self-awareness by encouraging kids to think about their experiences over time. It fosters a sense of agency as they consider how their past actions relate to current feelings and future outcomes.

3. The Feelings Spread

Overview

The Feelings Spread is tailored specifically for exploring emotions—perfect for kids who are navigating complex feelings or situations.

How to Do It

1. Ask the child to think about something that’s been bothering them or sparking joy.
2. Shuffle the deck while focusing on those feelings.
3. Draw four cards:
4. Card 1: How I feel about this situation
5. Card 2: What I need in this situation
6. Card 3: What’s making me happy (or sad)
7. Card 4: A positive action I can take
8. Discuss each card together.

Example Questions

• What emotions are coming up for me regarding my friendship?
• How can I support myself during challenging times?
• What brings me joy right now?

Benefits

This spread empowers children by validating their emotions and encouraging them to take positive action based on their readings. It promotes emotional literacy and self-care practices at an early age.

4. The Decision-Making Spread

Overview

The Decision-Making Spread helps kids weigh options when faced with a choice or dilemma, fostering critical thinking skills.

How to Do It

1. Have the child identify a decision they need help with.
2. Shuffle the cards while focusing on that decision.
3. Draw three cards:
4. Card 1: Option A
5. Card 2: Option B
6. Card 3: Advice/Outcome
7. Discuss what each card may represent concerning their choices.

Example Questions

• Should I join the soccer team or focus on my painting?
• What happens if I choose my friend’s idea over my own?
• What advice does the universe have for me regarding my choice?

Benefits

This spread encourages analytical thinking while allowing children to explore different outcomes associated with each option they face—helping them become more confident decision-makers.

5. The Gratitude Spread

Overview

The Gratitude Spread is an uplifting way for children to reflect on what they appreciate in their lives—a valuable practice that cultivates positivity.

How to Do It

1. Ask your child to think about things they are grateful for as they shuffle the cards.
2. Draw three cards:
3. Card 1: Something I’m grateful for today
4. Card 2: A person who brings me joy
5. Card 3: An experience that made me happy recently
6. Discuss how each card represents gratitude in their life.

Example Questions

• What made today special?
• Who brightened my day recently?
• What small joys can I acknowledge?

Benefits

This spread encourages gratitude practice by guiding children toward recognizing positivity in their lives—a powerful tool for mental well-being that can foster resilience as they grow.

Conclusion

Incorporating tarot spreads into children’s activities offers valuable opportunities for self-exploration and creative expression. By using simple layouts like the One-Card Draw or more structured spreads like the Decision-Making Spread, kids learn important life skills such as emotional intelligence, decision-making, and gratitude—all wrapped in an entertaining framework of storytelling and playfulness.

Ultimately, engaging with tarot should be an enjoyable experience filled with curiosity and wonder—allowing children not only insight into their lives but also a deeper connection with themselves as they grow into thoughtful individuals ready to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and creativity.