How parents can help kids learn to meditate

Adults who practice daily meditation frequently look for a peaceful area of the home to themselves. But given that research indicates that kids frequently imitate their parent’s behavior, why not let our kids see and/or participate in meditation with us?

Instead of seeking refuge, we might simply describe what we’re doing. Even if kids find it difficult to remain still or if they giggle while closing their eyes, we are still normalizing the practice and demonstrating to them the advantages of meditation for our well-being. And isn’t that the fundamental objective here?

There are many different approaches to introducing children to meditation if they don’t first appear interested in participating in a guided meditation. Parents or instructors may begin to incorporate brief mindfulness exercises for children throughout the day, such as establishing a mindful bedtime routine, eating thoughtfully, engaging in deep breathing exercises, or encouraging them to focus on their senses while taking a family walk.

Even though not all of these activities require children to remain quiet, close their eyes, and clear their minds, they will all teach them how to be more present. After learning how to do that, even if it’s just for a brief 1- or 5-minute practice at first, people might find it simpler to enter guided meditation.

However, it’s crucial to avoid thinking that we must impose any of these strategies on them. Make sure to have fun exploring them with your child because some will naturally respond to certain approaches better than others.

Try 11 meditations for kids and families

Are they looking for kid-friendly guided meditations? To support children in maintaining their health and happiness throughout their lives, we developed Headspace for Kids within the Headspace app. Subscribers get access to a variety of kid-focused mindfulness exercises, such as:

Calm – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. With this easy, enjoyable breathing practice, you may instruct your child in the foundations of meditation.

Cool Off – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Use this practice to help dissolve any uncomfortable emotions, including rage and irritation.

Good Morning – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. You and your child may start the day off correctly with the aid of this brief children’s morning meditation.

Rest & Relax – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Children practice identifying peacefulness and becoming less reactive with this activity.

Kindness – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. A visualization activity will teach your child the virtues of giving and openness.

Appreciation – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-1. A visualization to encourage children to feel thankful for their surroundings and the people in them

Paying Attention – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Kids will practice a calm, deliberate form of focus by using their imaginations.

Settling Down – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Encourage your child to adopt a positive, lighthearted outlook on life.

Goodnight – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. With this soothing mindfulness exercise, you can aid your child in getting a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Tight – ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Use this practice to count to lovely dreams before you sleep.

Stay Positive – ages 6-8 and 9-12. Sometimes we experience sensations of anxiety or worry. We’re going to take a short break from those thoughts and concentrate on the body.
Being a child isn’t always simple, what with school, screen time, and navigating all the emotions that come with growing up. Learning how to meditate with them can be a considerate and peaceful method to support their minds in remaining as calm, healthy, and happy as possible – not only throughout adolescence but for the rest of their lives.

If you want to read more meditation information, the links below here belong to you:

Deeply Breathing: How it reduces your stress