mindfulness with kids
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Our family has been practicing mindfulness over the past year. This practice is most definitely a work in progress for the adults and kids in our family. My goal is to provide the kids with tools they can use to help ground themselves and to help develop executive functioning skills. The Foundation for a Mindful Society writes:
“When we teach mindfulness to kids, we give them the tools they need to build confidence, cope with stress, and relate to uncomfortable or challenging moments. The earlier we do so in their young lives, the greater the opportunity to help them cultivate resilience and develop and refine their mindfulness practice as they mature.”
This practice of building confidence and coping with stress is exactly what we need right now. Today, I am sharing our go-to resources for introducing and sustaining a mindful practice with young children.
Mindfulness Resources
Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts
I Am Human: A book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Starbright: Meditations for Children by Maureen Garth
Mindful Kids Cards: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm
Yoga Animals in the Forest by Kane Miller
I Breathe by Kane Miller
Wobbel Cards: Free yoga cards to use with a wobbel board
Headspace: A meditation app for the whole family.
“Mindfulness practice can take the form of meditation, art, music, martial arts, writing, and many other activities. Disciplines such as these help us focus our minds and hearts, and open ourselves to the presence that lies within us.”
Mindfulness Activities
Coloring
We love the My First Book of Coloring series by Little Bee Books
Mandalas and Loose Part Designs
My kiddos like making designs with loose parts. For more on loose parts, click here.
Watercoloring & Magic Painting
We love watercoloring, but sometimes I need a really quick activity to help everyone transition to a quiet, meditative activity. I love the Usborne Magic Painting books because all you need is water and a paintbrush.
Puzzles
Puzzles are another great activity to help cultivate mindfulness. We have a variety of puzzles, but our favorites are by Ravensburger and Mudpuppy
Yoga
There are lots of kids yoga videos out there, but we have yet to find the perfect fit. Sometimes I will read from one of our yoga books and have the kids do some poses, other times I will guide them through a yoga flow.
Further Reading
Mindfulness for Children Guide by The New York Times
Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Myla Kabat-Zinn
The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder, and More Compassionate by Susan Kaiser Greenland
The Heart of Learning by Lawrence Williams
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