5 Calming Activities For Raising Mindful Kids
Mindfulness is a skill that can help kids manage their big emotions and cope with all the ups and downs of growing up. But it takes practise, so it’s up to us as parents to show our youngsters the way and help them become mini mindfulness masters of their own!
Mindfulness For Kids
If you’re wondering whether or not your child is ready to start practising mindfulness yet, you’re in the right place. Read on to explore why mindfulness for children is important and how you can inspire your kiddo to try it out.
How do you explain mindfulness to a toddler?
Tell them that mindfulness is simply about focusing on what’s happening right now. It’s also about slowing down and taking notice of the sensations in your body. You can bring this to life by asking them to share one thing that they can see, hear, feel, smell and taste in that moment. Then let them know that they can do this exercise anytime they’re feeling a little stressed or anxious, as it will help to shush these worries and bring their thoughts back to the here and now.
Why is mindfulness important in early childhood?
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that will support a child into adulthood and help them deal with all of life’s challenges. Starting early is key. Toddlers’ minds are like little sponges, so learning how to quiet their thoughts, slow down and focus on the present moment are healthy habits that are far easier to pick up at this young age. Mindfulness can nourish a child’s emotional regulation, help them de-stress, feel less anxious, increase their focus, strengthen their resilience, and improve their sleep.
How do I teach my 3 year old mindfulness?
Toddlers as young as two or three can benefit from mindfulness activities, but as they have shorter attention spans than older kids, meditating for more than a few minutes is quite unlikely! Instead, get creative to hook them in.
You could try a moving meditation like stretching or kids yoga, embrace in a three-breath cuddle, or go on a nature walk and point out all the things you can see, smell, touch and hear!
Toys like jigsaw puzzles, squishy fidget toys, train sets, sensory toys, and gardening toys are also useful motivators for mindful play!
What Are Some Mindfulness Activities For Kids?
Teach mindfulness the playful way with some captivating activities that’ll grab your youngster’s attention.
1. Download free colouring sheets
It’s simple, but it works. Mindfulness colouring helps children focus on the present moment, while boosting their confidence and creativity. Need a little inspiration? Download one of our free printable colouring pages for kids.
2. Try bubble breathing
Take a BIG breath in through your nose, feeling your tummy expand, then slowly breath out through your mouth as if you’re blowing bubbles through a wand. Repeat for a few minutes or however long you like!
3. Meditate as a family
Find a guided meditation online to suit your child (we love the Monster Meditations from Sesame Street and Headspace). Aim for around three minutes for pre-schoolers, then increase the duration as they grow and become better practised at sitting still!
4. Do a blindfold taste test
An activity that involves snacks… what’s not to love! Pull a blindfold over your kiddie’s eyes, place some bitesize treats in front of them and encourage them to guess what they’re eating while describing the smells, tastes and textures of the food as they go. A delicious sensory experience!
5. Enjoy mindful crafting
Arty youngsters can immerse themselves in a relaxing craft session with Tiger Tribe’s mindfulness sets. Mindfully Me is full of guided activities to help soothe busy little minds, such as how to set up a cosy corner or create a cactus garden! It also comes in a handy magnetic storage box packed with gel pens, tissue paper, sticker sheets and pop-out activity pages. Alternatively, Mindful Doodling features 30 peaceful patterns to help children learn to draw while engaging them in mindful screen-free play.