Exploring mindfulness with your child
Mindfulness. The ability to focus on events and feelings that are happening in the present. It is a type of meditation which helps you concentrate better, feel grounded and pay attention to your mind, body and feelings. The idea is to achieve a calmer presence within yourself. As children, there are always big changes happening, with new ideas and concepts being introduced to them every single day. Mindfulness is particularly important for little ones as it can help them develop vital coping skills to work on their emotions. Mindfulness has also been proven to increase focus, decrease levels of stress and anxiety, and improve academic performance. Below are some tips on how to explore mindfulness at home with your child.
Mindful walks
Did you know that walking is beneficial for your mind as well as your body? Practising mindfulness can be done through simple activities that are readily available to you. Take a mindful walk with your child and point out different sights and sounds along the way. Simple walks like these are a great way for children to become more aware of their surroundings.
Ask them to find different objects, stand still and listen to the sounds around them or even hug a tree! You might be surprised at how much they enjoy slowing down and taking notice of the world around them.
As children become more confident outdoors, you can turn your walks into bigger family adventures too. Taking on a new trail or even a family-friendly mountain walk gives children the chance to connect with nature while enjoying the sense of achievement that comes from reaching a goal. If you’re ready for a bigger challenge, this guide to climbing Pen y Fan with kids shares an achievable family route along with plenty of practical tips for walking with children.
Mindful eating
Mindful eating is such an important activity to practice with your child on a daily basis. Not only will it teach them great moral values, but they will develop gratitude for the different foods they get to taste and eat. Instruct them to take their time with their food and savour it.
Mindful bedtime routine
Bedtime is one of the best times to explore mindfulness with your child, especially if they have trouble sleeping. Ask your child to lay still and focus on different parts of their body at a time. The purpose of this exercise is to help them focus on the present, instead of worrying about things in the past or future that may be keeping them awake.
