Jan 2nd: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help kids cope with stress, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions. It can also improve their focus, memory, creativity, and empathy.
But how can we teach mindfulness to kids? Here are some tips and activities that you can try at home or in the classroom.
- Start with yourself. The best way to teach mindfulness to kids is to model it yourself. Practice mindfulness in your daily life, and share your experiences with your kids. For example, you can say, “I’m feeling a bit stressed right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath and notice how my body feels.”
- Make it fun. Kids learn best when they are having fun, so make mindfulness a playful and enjoyable activity. You can use games, stories, songs, toys, or props to introduce mindfulness concepts and skills. For example, you can play “I Spy” with your senses, or use a stuffed animal as a breathing buddy.
- Keep it simple. Don’t overwhelm your kids with too much information or too many instructions. Use simple and age-appropriate language to explain what mindfulness is and why it is helpful. For example, you can say, “Mindfulness is when we pay attention to what is happening right now, like what we see, hear, feel, or think. Mindfulness helps us calm down when we are upset or worried.”
- Be flexible. There is no one right way to practice mindfulness with kids. You can adapt the activities to suit your kids’ interests, needs, and abilities. You can also vary the duration, frequency, and setting of the practice. For example, you can practice mindfulness for a few minutes or longer, once a day or more often, indoors or outdoors.
- Be supportive. Encourage your kids to try mindfulness, but don’t force them or criticize them if they don’t want to or can’t do it. Mindfulness is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, so be patient and supportive of your kids’ efforts. Praise them for their participation and progress, and celebrate their successes.
By
Sujata Muguda
Shreyas WebMedia Solutions