What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment — noticing our thoughts, feelings, and body without judgment. For children, it’s about slowing down, learning to breathe, and becoming more aware of themselves and the world around them.
Why is Mindfulness Important for Children?
🧠 Builds focus and attention – helps with learning and listening in class.
💖 Supports emotional regulation – children can notice when they feel upset, calm down, and respond more thoughtfully.
🤝 Encourages kindness – practising mindfulness helps children become more aware of others’ feelings.
😌 Reduces stress and anxiety – calming strategies allow children to feel safe and supported.
🌟 Boosts resilience – teaches children they can choose how to respond, even when things are hard.
How Can Children Practise?
Imagine you are an ice block slowly melting in the sunshine. Bit by bit, let your body soften and relax. This fun guided meditation helps children release tension and feel calm.
Invite children to imagine a peaceful, safe place in their minds – it could be a garden, the beach, or even a cosy room. Then, encourage them to draw their “quiet place” as a reminder that calm is always within reach.
This playful yoga session combines the excitement of a pirate adventure with the benefits of mindful movement. Through this fun story, they’ll strengthen their bodies, improve balance, and learn calming techniques — all while imagining themselves as brave pirates exploring the seas!
Watch this short story clip “My Gratitude Jar” to learn about the power of saying thank you and noticing the little things that make us happy every day.
Children can create their own gratitude jar at home or in class. All you need is a jar, some colourful slips of paper, and pens or pencils. Each day, write or draw something you are thankful for and place it in the jar.
Over time, the jar fills up with happy memories and reminders of the good things in life. On days when children feel sad or worried, they can read a few notes from the jar to feel encouraged and uplifted.
This calming practice can help ease worries, anxiety, and stress, as well as support better sleep and relaxation. Why not unwind with your child by listening to this mindfulness meditation together? A gentle way to end the day — calm minds, restful sleep, and shared moments of peace.
Put together a small box or bag with items that help soothe strong emotions – for example, stress balls, soft toys, colouring sheets, or calming scents. Children can use their kit whenever they feel overwhelmed.
Instruction here: Creating a Calm Down Kit
Mindfulness with young children should be simple and enjoyable.
Sessions don’t need to be long — even 2–3 minutes of practice makes a difference.
Over time, children begin to use these strategies naturally when they need them most (such as calming before a test or when upset with friends).