Mindfulness enables us to be present in our daily tasks such as parenting, working, or even socializing. It allows us to pay attention, make good decisions, calm ourselves, and really be in the moment.
We tend to think that mindfulness solely benefits adolescents and adults, but there is overwhelming evidence that mindfulness practices can be beneficial for children as well.
Here are a few ways you can practice mindfulness with your child:
- Use simple words they can understand when describing what mindfulness is
- Meditate with your children on a frequent basis
- Get them to pay attention to the sounds around them, what they see, feel, taste. Get them to use all their senses
- Use mindfulness techniques before bed time
- Teach them breathing exercises
- Go on walks in which you teach them to notice things they wouldn’t usually pay attention to
- Get them to share one thing they are thankful for a few times a week
