Objective To explore the effect of a mindful self-compassion intervention for caregivers of children undergoing surgery for complex intestinal diseases, and to alleviate caregivers′ anxiety and depression. Methods A total of 108 family caregivers of children undergoing surgery for complex intestinal diseases were chronologically assigned to a control group (n=54), receiving routine care, or an intervention group (n=54), receiving mindful self-compassion intervention in addition to the routine care. Results The differences in anxiety and depression scores between the two groups were statistically significant post-intervention and at discharge of the second hospitalization (all P<0.05). The caregiver satisfaction score in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Implementing a mindful self-compassion intervention for caregivers of children undergoing surgery for complex intestinal diseases can alleviate the caregivers′ anxiety and depression and improve their satisfaction with nursing services.