Mindfulness Activities and Exercises for Children

Teaching Mindfulness to Children

In today’s fast-paced world, teaching children mindfulness techniques can provide them with valuable lifelong skills. Mindfulness helps children manage stress, focus their attention, develop self-awareness, and cultivate compassion.

Benefits of Mindfulness for Kids

Improves focus and concentration
Boosts self-esteem
Reduces anxiety and stress
Promotes emotional regulation
Encourages compassion and kindness

Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children

Mindful Breathing

Have children lie down and place a small toy on their bellies. Instruct them to breathe deeply enough to make the toy rise and fall. This teaches focus and awareness of breathing.

Body Scan Meditations

Have children slowly scan their bodies from head to toe, noticing any sensations without judgment. This builds body awareness and focus.

Mindful Eating

Encourage mindful eating by having kids notice colors, textures, smells and flavors. This boosts sensory awareness and attention.

Yoga Poses

Practice child-friendly yoga to stretch the body and cultivate awareness. Include poses like tree pose, warrior and butterfly pose.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

Have children silently wish wellness, joy and peace for themselves and others. This develops compassion and caring.

Making Mindfulness Stick

Integrating mindfulness into children’s routines through short, regular practices helps these valuable skills stick. Be patient, lead by example, and make it fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best to start teaching mindfulness to kids?

Mindfulness can be taught to children as young as 3 to 5 years old in simple, playful ways appropriate for their age.

How long should children practice mindfulness?

For young children, start with just 2 to 3 minutes per session and gradually build up from there based on their interest and engagement levels.

How can parents role model mindfulness?

Parents can role model mindfulness by having children observe them engaged in mindful activities like conscious breathing, yoga, quiet meditation, mindful eating or taking mindful pauses throughout the day.

What happens if my child resists mindfulness practices?

Make mindfulness fun rather than a chore! Provide encouragement but don’t force it. Offer choices and invite children’s ideas to make mindfulness enjoyable.

Are there good books or apps to teach mindfulness?

Some popular introductory mindfulness books and apps for children include Sitting Still Like a Frog, Master of Mindfulness, Smiling Mind for children and Stop, Breathe & Think Kids.