Guided Imagery for kids
Guided imagery uses your imagination to help put your body in a calmer state. You can use your imagination to help lower stress, feelings of anxiety and even sadness. Using guided imagery is a simple process: by imagining a place that is peaceful and relaxing to you, you can help stimulate your nervous system to put your body in a calmer state. Some common places that people imagine could be the beach, or on a mountain.
Guided imagery with kids:
With kids, we can help them achieve this calm state, by guiding them through the process. Often, the guided imagery can be more fun or adventurous. Unlike adults, kids may not stay in one place or stay still when practicing guided-imagery. They may wiggle, or move in their seat, they may smile, or shout out. The reactions you can get from kids can vary, and they can be fun to see, although it may be helpful to set some ground rules before you start.
Benefits of Guided Imagery:
There are many Benefits to practicing Guided Imagery with kids.
- Enhanced Imagination: Guided imagery exercises transport children to magical worlds, encouraging them to envision and create in their minds.
- Stress Reduction: These sessions promote relaxation, offering a soothing escape from the demands of daily life.
- Increased Focus: Practicing guided imagery can help improve concentration and attention span.
- Emotional Well-being: Imaginative journeys assist in processing emotions, fostering empathy and self-awareness.
- Better Sleep: Guided imagery sessions can help children unwind, promoting a restful night’s sleep.
- Encouraged Positivity: These adventures inspire positive thinking, resilience, and a can-do attitude.
- Bedtime: Guided imagery can facilitate relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- Stressful Moments: During times of stress or anxiety, these exercises can provide comfort and a sense of control.
- Creative Exploration: Use guided imagery to spark creativity, encouraging storytelling, art, or writing.
- Mindfulness: Introduce mindfulness and emotional awareness through these imaginative journeys.
- Quiet Time: Incorporate guided imagery into quiet or solitary moments, promoting self-reflection.
How to Use :
Guided Imagery should be done in a quiet environment away from any interruptions, TV or electronics. Playing soft background music may also help set the scene and relax their minds. Read the guided imagery scripts aloud in a soft and calm voice. After the session, discuss the adventures, encouraging the children to share their thoughts and feelings.
When to Use:
With Guided Imagery, you can empower young minds to embrace the world of imagination, fostering well-being, creativity, and resilience in a nurturing and joyful way. Explore, dream, and discover the limitless possibilities of the young imagination with these enchanting adventures. Guided Imagery is a powerful mindfulness technique that can be used with children at an early age at any time. I like to use guided imagery before bed as a way to calm down to get a good night’s sleep, or at any time when my kids need some regulation and calm down time.
Interested in my copy of 10 Guided Meditations? Sign up here and I’ll send you a copy to your inbox.
Check out some simple guided meditation scripts already on my page:
Simple Deep Breathing Exercises
If you haven’t found your “voice” yet, or hesitate to read the scripts aloud to kids, check out some guided imagery videos online:
- 7 Minute Beach Meditation for Kids
- 5 Minute Butterfly Meditation
- 5-minute Calming Meditation for Kids
I really hope you try these. I have three boys, and they love the scripts with ninja’s, spaceships and bubbles. Let me know which ones your kids enjoyed! I would love to hear from you.
