Mindfulness for Kids
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being present in each moment, noticing what you are experiencing—with compassion and without judgment. You can read more about the Benefits of Mindfulness here.
Mindfulness for kids explained:
Mindfulness strategies and techniques can develop emotional and attention regulation skills, giving students a solid footing that makes it possible to effectively engage in both social-emotional and academic learning in the classroom.
Most adults and children experience various levels of dysregulation in their nervous system throughout the day, whether they are minor or caused by more significant stressors or trauma. When we are stressed, or conflicted it can inhibit functioning and make it challenging to use our skills in that situation, whether it’s with someone else or to be able to critically think in a given situation. In order for us , or our students and children to engage and effectively communicate and connect with others, we need to teach them strategies to regulate their attentional and emotional systems. Self-regulation techniques need to be practiced in normal or regular situations, when the environment is more relaxed.
Mindfulness can be a part of the school day and classroom, or part of the home environment.
It can also be an integral part of occupational therapy treatment sessions. I always start my treatment session with a mindful breath, mindful movement or mindful listening strategy. If I notice a child is dysregulated, we may partake in a guided imagery session or a more breathwork. There are lots of ways we can embed mindfulness throughout our time with students or our children. Teaching and practicing strategies when children are calm, is a great way to learn and practice so that when the opportunity arises (ie: stress, anger etc), they can use the learned strategies
What can mindfulness do for kids?
Mindfulness can
- Reduce and improve the ability to manage their stress
- Improve emotional regulation
- Increase Focus
- Increase empathy and respect and understanding of others.
- Improve their conflict resolution skills
- Increase their capacity to overcome challenges
Children who practice mindfulness will find it much easier to focus and actively engage in the classroom. Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises can be very powerful for kids as they grow and navigate the world we live in.
Students in the classroom who use mindfulness will bring a sense of collective calm to the space as well making the learning environment more favorable for everyone. Incorporating mindfulness can be fun !
How to Practice
There are lots of ways to practice mindfulness with kids and they include
- Breathwork: Such as Just Breathe Meditation , Hot Chocolate Deep Breathing Listening Meditation
- Guided Imagery
- Mindful Movement
- Brain Breaks
