Mindfulness For Kids: Benefits and How To Explain It To Kids

Introducing mindfulness to kids is an important way to help them learn how to manage their emotions and be resilient. Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment and noticing one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Tips for speaking with your child about mindfulness: Explain it Simply: Start by explaining the definition of mindfulness, which is focusing on what you are doing or feeling in the present moment. It is helpful to give an example of mindfulness, such as noticing what sounds your child hears outside or how the sun feels on their skin. 

Ask them questions: “What did you notice when you walked outside?” "When you close your eyes, what can you hear?" 

Practice together: Practicing mindful breathing or completing a five-sensory activity can be a fun and engaging way to spend time together while learning mindfulness

Keep it fun: Go on a mindfulness walk and notice being present using the 5 senses. 

Empower them: Encourage your child to use mindfulness to help understand their feelings and manage big emotions. 

Use fun and engaging resources: Check out the Cosmic Kids website for intriguing mindfulness activities. https://cosmickids.com/video/yes-you-can/

Some ways to practice mindfulness with kids: Practice a fun and engaging breathing exercise such as balloon breathing, rainbow breathing, 5- finger breathing, wave breathing, star breathing, cool the pizza breathing, or encourage journaling. Check out the websites Calm, Go Noodle, or Cosmic Kids to find videos about mindful breathing exercises. 

Benefits of mindfulness for children:

• Developing increased emotional regulation 

• Increase in focus and enhanced concentration 

• Helps reduce stress 

• Develop a greater understanding and empathy toward the feelings of others

• Improved Sleep 

• Increased resilience Overall well-being and positive thoughts 

Check out these books to help develop mindfulness in your child.