Exploring Mindfulness with Your Child

To have a mindful attitude requires a lot of graft and dedication, but it’s also something your child will become used to naturally as they develop their skills. Giving your child a platform to build their mindfulness skills within can help them with a range of their skills and abilities, which can train their resilience, bravery and problem solving skills.

In this guide from a nursery in Letchworth, we take a look at the ways you can explore mindfulness with your child that can still make things engaging.

Take them on a walk

A walk is always good for the mind as you’re able to take a step back and have a look at the world you live in. You’re also focusing on something different while you’re guiding yourself away from a stressful or uncomfortable situation. Use this time to explore mindful ways of engaging with your child, through casual conversations and asking what they think of things as you walk. Walking is often used as a tool to build a child’s methods of being able to talk to others about their problems and finding an outlet for managing their stress.

Develop a mindful sleeping pattern

Getting a child to go to sleep with no dramas can sometimes seem like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be through the art of mindful sleeping. After reading a book or playing a game together before settling down, ask your child to lay down in the bed and close their eyes.

Ask them to take in a deep breath and then release, continually repeating this process so that they can learn the art of relaxing healthily. If they’re struggling to slowly doze off to sleep, ask your child to think about a particular thing that made them happy that day and what they did that made them happy.

Practice mindfulness techniques

While you can always encourage a child to learn how to meditate, and can do it successfully over time, your child can have a lot to learn from the art of thinking and listening mindfully too. Ask them about the senses they can hear, smell, touch, and get them to describe to you exactly how they feel. Some reactions may be negative, but that’s okay. You’re getting them used to different sensations and feelings.

Ask your child to close their eyes as they do these things to really hone in on their senses and strengths. It also can make your child put things into perspective as they learn, and will boost their self confidence in showing you what they already know about the world.

Collaboration.