why you should teach your child mindfulness

Why should you teach your child mindfulness? If you have visited my blog before, you know that I am a huge proponent of mindfulness meditation. One of the best gifts you can give your child is to show them how to live in the moment. To accept the experiences of the mind, body, emotions, and environment without judging. By teaching them mindfulness you are furnishing them with a tool that will help them to navigate every stage of their lives.

Why teach them mindfulness?

Develops Self-regulation

According to psychologists Philip David Zelazo and Kristen E. Lyons, teaching children to be able to reflect on their experiences (mindfulness) in the moment helps them to develop self-regulation. Self-regulation means self-control of thoughts, actions and emotions.

They found in their studies that developing self-regulation in childhood has been found to predict outcomes in the children’s future. Children who have learned to regulate themselves do better in school, have better physical health, are less likely to have problems with substance dependence, have better socioeconomic status, are less likely to engage in criminal behavior, and have higher IQs. You can read their research in more detail in their article in Child Development Perspectives.

Decreases anxiety and stress

A child’s growing up years from birth through adolescence and into teen years are filled with stressful events. From learning to communicate and walk to developing relationships and trying to become independent. We all know growing up isn’t easy. Mindfulness is an enormously powerful tool to help your child deal with life stressors. Also, studies have shown that you can teach children mindfulness as early as preschool!

Helps them to manage their emotions

It has shown that when children practice mindfulness it brings them to a positive state of mind. It helps them feel better and happy because they feel in control of themselves. Studies have shown it may also help children who have aggressive behavior.

Improves attention and focus

Studies have shown it may also help children with ADHD.

Improves memory

Children spend their lives being told what to do; eat this, do this, go there. This may make them go through their day on autopilot. Mindfulness brings them back to the present moment so they can be present in their lives.

Helps with self-acceptance and self-understanding

Mindfulness brings their thoughts and feelings to the forefront. By looking at their thoughts and feeling objectively and without judgment, they experience more acceptance and understanding of themselves.

Practice What You Teach

Before you begin the process of teaching your child mindfulness it is important to learn about and try it yourself. Mindfulness is a simple concept and does not require years of practice to know what you’re doing. It would be helpful to you to know about it so you are ready to answer questions and make your child feel more comfortable with giving it a try. You can try the mindfulness exercise below and you can also check out one of my past blogs, Mindfulness Meditation-Begin Today To Change Your Life.

Fun Mindfulness Exercises to Try

For all of these exercises, begin with 5 minutes and then as your child becomes accustomed to it you can add on time slowly.

Simply Breathing

This is as easy as sitting or lying in a comfortable position with your child. Then bring your attention to your breath coming in through your nose, going to your belly, and then back out your nose or mouth. Just being aware of your breathing. As easy as that!

Nature Observer

You and your child should sit outside for this. You should get comfortable on the grass in the yard or a balcony. If you can put your bare feet on the ground all the better. Then sit and listen to the sounds you hear. Try not to talk while your listening. Tell your child they can tell you everything they heard when the five-minute timer goes off.

Heartbeat

For a minute do jumping jacks or running in place with your child. Then sit down comfortably and put your hand on your chest. Then pay attention to how your heartbeat and breathing feel.

These exercises are a great place to start. There are many other ways to practice mindfulness. You can find them online and there are also guided mindfulness apps you can use. It really doesn’t matter how you do it. It is just a matter of being in the moment.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn the founder of MBSR mindfulness-based stress reduction said, “mindfulness is defined as the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.” He also said, “Be aware and accepting of whatever state the body and mind are in. Mindfulness can be practiced through; mindful eating, driving, walking or any experience in our lives.” He is an amazing mindfulness teacher. I have taken his Masterclass and it was a life changer for me and I highly recommend it.

MindUp For Life

Goldie Hawn has created an organization called MindUp For Life – The Goldie Hawn Foundation. According to MindUp.org, “MindUp infuses developmental neuroscience, mindfulness awareness practice, social-emotional awareness practice, social-emotional learning and positive psychology to foster children’s well-being and resiliency.” Studies show that children who regularly practice “brain breaks,” a mindful awareness practice are better able to regulate their emotions and they have improved mental health.

Let’s be honest, anybody with half a brain knows that our current education system and the way we teach our children need to be reevaluated. We need to come up with new ways to teach our children that take into consideration different personality types, emotional and mental health wellness. If you are an educator please check out this amazing organization. They have programs already developed for schools and families. MindUp For Life – The Goldie Hawn Foundation.

I hope that I have inspired you to teach your child mindfulness. I am very passionate about this subject because I think that it can have a positive impact on so many kids’ lives. Take care and I hope you have many happy mindful moments with your child!

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