Mindfulness is a basic human ability that all of us are capable of if we take the time to practice it. By practicing mindfulness, we can be more present in where we are and what we are doing. This helps us to stay calm and not react too severely to circumstances that are out of our control.
Mindfulness is extremely beneficial to everyone. It can be more helpful for kids and young adults still learning to regulate their emotions and interact with people around them. Being mindful of their feelings and how to properly express them is an essential skill for kids and young adults to master.
However, kids don’t usually have the patience to sit still and meditate for long periods of time. Getting your kids to settle down and learn how to practice mindfulness can be tricky.
To help you teach your kids mindfulness and get them to slow down and be present, we’ve outlined some helpful tools and books that you can use:
1. Mindsight ‘Breathing Buddha’ for Guided Visual Meditation
This cute Buddha-shaped guided meditation tool is perfect for helping kids practice mindfulness through guided breathing. The Buddha lights up in different colors for different amounts of time to let kids know how to practice deep breathing. The Buddha lights up in green for 4 seconds, letting you know to inhale for that long. Then, it lights up purple for 7 seconds, letting you know to hold your breath. Finally, it lights up blue for 8 seconds, letting you know to exhale. This guided tool is perfect for helping kids of all ages breathe, meditate, slow down, and be mindful.
2. Mindfulness for Kids in 10 Minutes a Day by Maura Bradley
This book by Maura Bradley is perfect for children aged between 8 to 12 years old and has plenty of simple mindfulness exercises outlined in it. These mindfulness exercises take 10 minutes to complete, so kids don’t get bored or distracted. With this book, you can help your kids improve their focus and start daily with an organized mindset.
3. Hand2Mind Mindful Maze Set
This Mindful Maze Set is the perfect sensory toy to help kids relax, get their minds and hands working together, and ease any stress or anxiety they might be feeling. The set comes with three double-sided boards that have mazes on them. By tracing the mazes out with their fingers, kids can take the time to slow down and breathe. This is a great option for kids that are more hands-on and can be used by children ages three and above.
In conclusion, check out the tools and books we have outlined to teach your kids mindfulness and help them practice mindfulness every day. Teaching mindfulness at will offer many benefits to them when they become adults.