- Mindful Breathing
- Mindful Walking
- Gratitude Journal
- Yoga
- Observation
- Physical Mindfulness
- Mindful Eating
- Expectation Checklist
- Guided Meditation
- 5 Sense Realization
Introduction
Young children learn from their environment very quickly. While parents need to be mindful of their children's surroundings and their teachings, it is also important for children to learn about mindfulness as they grow up.
Inculcating mindfulness in children will not only help them stay calmer and more concentrated as they grow up, but it will help them become self-aware and decisive.
Mindfulness is one of the cognitive skills that helps children in various ways. Make sure that you, as parents, know about these mindful practices for young children so that they can be more present at the moment and more sensible about their surroundings by being mindful. Keep reading!
What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a very fast topic that various skills and behavior patterns in children can indicate. But to understand it simply, mindfulness means being present and self-aware. Mindfulness elevates soft skills such as observation, concentration, empathy, kindness, and more.
Without mindfulness, children will be prone to self-doubt, stress, indecisiveness, and struggle to escape situations as they grow up. It becomes an essential cognitive skill to develop in children at a younger age as it helps them mature as they grow up.
Mindfulness can also be called a base pillar for all the good soft skills that bring calmness and stability to the life of the child in the future.
10 Simple Mindfulness Practices For Young Children
Here are ten simple mindfulness practices for young children to try:
1. Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is a very common and popular exercise which can help children stay more connected towards the present with proper concentration and focus on whatever task they are doing. Mindful breathing also helps the mind to calm down better, making it more focused without stress and nervousness.
2. Mindful Walking
Mindful walking is also a good way to teach young children to be present in nature and be more observant. It can not only handle the quality of family time, but it can also help the children stay more focused and experience various senses. Mindful walking helps children in many ways, elevating their soft and cognitive skills.
3. Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is a great way to practice mindfulness in younger children. Gratitude journals help children develop a strong sense of empathy and kindness, noting down whatever they are thankful for in the day and living in the present without worrying about the future. A journal of gratitude can also keep the child engaged.
4. Yoga
Different types of yoga poses can help children meditate better, increasing their concentration and focus. Yoga poses can help the body connect with the mind through various physical exercises, increasing the sense of mindfulness in younger children. There are plenty of yoga poses that benefit children with meditation, such as chanting Om, Savasana and more.
5. Observation
Observation practices can help children become more self-aware about their surroundings. Self-awareness is important for staying mindful; observatory practice is a great idea for younger children. Different observation practices will also help the children with their curiosity, making them calmer and more stable. Take your young children for a stroll, letting them observe different things they have never seen.
6. Physical Mindfulness
Physical mindfulness is necessary for younger children to adapt to active lifestyles and stay stable and strong. Physical mindfulness can be practiced through various physical exercises that boost the coordination and stability of the mind. Physical mindfulness can help children become more balanced and active physically. Physical mindfulness is important for children to become mindful overall.
7. Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is another important practice to become active, healthy, and good with different cognitive and soft skills. Mindful eating helps children manage their diet and health better, involving self-care, which is essential for children with mindful personalities. Practicing mindful eating can not only help children with mindfulness but will help with the nutrition management of the body, too.
8. Expectation Checklist
Keeping a checklist for expectations and realization can help children practice mindfulness easily. It is the habit of younger children that they will always stress about greater results, not realizing their resources and capacity. The mindful expectations checklist helps the children set realistic goals and stay connected to the ground without becoming too stressed about results following the plan.
9. Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is also a good way to teach mindfulness to young children through short sessions. Meditation helps the mind to stay calm and focused. Guided meditation can help the child become more self-aware of words in their heart rather than being forceful.
10. 5 Sense Realization
Five sense realization practice can help children instantly. Where children, when distracted, should remember the five senses near them, realizing the importance of staying in the present. This exercise is easy and healthy. The children are brought back to their present consciousness without getting distracted through this exercise.
Conclusion
Now that you have about ten simple and easy exercises for younger children, help them practice mindfulness and inculcate various other essential soft skills for a smooth and happy life. It becomes necessary for parents to take their children to the route of mindfulness to help them be mature and stable in life with a bright future.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
The information provided in this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise, or medication routines.
References
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-mindfulness-exercises-kids