5 Mindful Moments for Little Minds
- by WONDERMOM
- Sept. 29, 2023
In a world buzzing with gadgets, notifications and to-dos, the practice of mindfulness and children’s exposure to it is more essential than ever. But how do we introduce this age-old practice to our young ones? Well, it’s simpler than you think. Mindfulness for children can be fun, interactive, and oh-so-effective. Here’s how you can infuse a dash of mindfulness into your child’s daily routine.
1. The Breathing Buddy:
Lay down with your child and place a soft toy on their belly. Ask them to breathe deeply, noticing the toy rise and fall. This visual aid not only makes deep breathing engaging but also helps children understand the rhythm of their breath. It’s a simple way to introduce the concept of mindfulness and children’s innate ability to focus on the present.
2. Mindful Colouring:
Remember those intricate colouring books? They’re not just for decoration! Colouring within the lines requires concentration, making it a sneaky mindfulness practice. While children colour, they’re centred and fully engrossed in the activity. This bonding between mindfulness and children’s favourite pastime is a beautiful blend of fun and focus.
3. Sound Safari:
This one’s a game, and children adore it! Sit in a quiet spot, indoors or outdoors, and ask your little one to identify the sounds around them. It could be the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, or the distant hum of a car. By doing this, children become attuned to their surroundings, a basic tenet of mindfulness.
4. Sensory Snacking:
Turn snack time into an experiment! Offer your child a piece of fruit or a small snack, and ask them to describe it using their senses. How does it smell? What’s the texture like? How does it taste? By truly experiencing their food, you’re reinforcing the bond between mindfulness and children’s everyday activities.
5. Gratitude Jars:
Before bedtime, introduce a gratitude ritual. Ask your child to jot down (or draw) one thing they’re thankful for on a piece of paper and pop it into a jar. Over time, the jar fills up with positivity and serves as a reminder of life’s many joys.
The beauty of these practices is their simplicity. You don’t need extravagant tools or dedicated hours. It’s about weaving mindfulness and children’s regular activities together, making the mundane magical.