Mindfulness for kids

Mindfulness can be taught at any age, so maybe think about sharing your practice with your wee ones. Proven to improve focus and classroom participation; teach life skills such as compassion and kindness; and help guide them through dealing with difficult emotions, starting mindfulness at an early age can be pivotal to how your kids grow as little people. We all know how difficult adding in new habits to our kids routines can be (hello tantrums!), so let’s explore some fun ways to sprinkle some mindful habits into their days: 

• Savouring food. To encourage gratitude, make treats and meal times a ritual of happiness and thanks. Food is something a lot of us take for granted, yet it’s something we all really enjoy! Get them to explore their senses by asking them to describe the smells, textures and tastes. How does it feel when you chew it, what ingredients can you pick out by smelling it? Take it one step further by getting their help to make some of the food you all enjoy together. Things are always much more appreciated when we’re a part of the experience. 
• Get creative. Growing up can be a really tricky time to learn and navigate new emotions - as we all remember only too well! Show your little ones how to express their emotions - whether negative or positive - in a productive way, can be hugely beneficial to managing them later on in life. Expressing emotions through art; journals, painting, drawing, scrapbooking, making Playdoh sculptures; is not only tons of fun, but a super way to visualise those feelings and deal with them. 
• Feel connection. When you’re small and learning so much about the world - which can be very exciting and also scary - there’s nothing valued more than the support and love from those you trust. Cuddles are really good for the soul, no matter how old you are. Take time to be present and show them that you’re there for them. Hug it out when they’re sad, frustrated or even just in a snuggly mood. Human connection is a basic need for us so show them they are safe and that you care.  It's also a great way to share and understand if they are ok.  Invite them to come and chat. 
• Anchoring breath. A deep breath in… and a deep breath out. There is nothing more simple and more travel-friendly, than the fundamental bliss that is breathing. Sometimes we need to call on our breath to slow us down before reacting to a situation or to feel energised when we’re sleepy. Practice getting them to fill their tummies up with air and letting it all back out again - like a balloon - in a slow and controlled manner. They can do this lying down on their backs or just sitting comfortably in a chair. Maybe even get them to put their favourite toy on their tummies so they can come along for the ride. 

Try adding one of these practices in a week, building up until they have a couple of healthy coping mechanisms to draw upon when they need to be more present. Mindfulness is a skill that helps us cope with big emotions and challenging experiences and, just like a muscle, it’s something we can all build with practice.

​Happy practicing 🧘...