Living in this digital age, it can be really hard for kids to switch off and get a bit of peace. I’ve been researching meditation for kids and there are definitely some benefits that I can see of encouraging your kids to meditate. If you are not sure where to start then here are 4 Easy Ways to Introduce and Practice Meditation for Kids:
Sign up for our free Newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free? Please share this with your family & friends if you liked it!
What is Meditation?
Meditation is sometimes described as a mental concentration, a progressive quietening of the mind. It’s a practice of using a technique to focus on a state of deep peace on a particular part of the mind.
You see, children need time to close their eyes, relax and concentrate within to recharge their batteries just as much as adults.
The pressure of modern society doesn’t help nor does living in a digital age. Kids are naturally drawn to gadgets, social media and technology – it’s what they know. So they need a place of peace to switch off.
Benefits of Meditation for Kids
There are so many benefits of practising meditation for kids including encouraging respect, increasing confidence, concentration and happiness. It’s a no-brainer.
It benefits children by enhancing their focus. When practising meditation their brains stop processing information as actively as it normally would, leaving them in a state of relaxation.
It’s been proven to increase better mental health, help relieve stress and reduces anxiety.
The emotional development also improves if you practice meditation. It will help build your child’s confidence, make them happier overall and research shows it increases self-esteem and self-love.
4 Ways to Introduce and Practice Meditation for Kids
#1. Yoga for Kids
Stretch, breathe, relax. Yoga is a Hindu art of exercising the mind and body both physically and mentally. Various styles of yoga combine breathing exercises, physical postures and relaxation.
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular especially in primary schools. If you’ve never tried it with your child, here’s a good starter video:
#2. Create a Mindful Bedtime Routine
After bathtime and maybe even a story have a few moments with your child and send each other positive affirmations and wishes for health, strength, happiness and peace.
Make sure the environment they sleep in is dark, quiet and well ventilated to promote good sleep.
#3. Breathing
Practising a deep breathing technique will help them the next time they are feeling angry, stressed or anxious.
Follow the simple deep breathing steps in this video to teach them how to overcome any obstacles.
#4. Use Music
Get your child to practice their deep breathing or to snuggle up and listen to some music, they will instantly feel instantly came and relaxed.
This Relax Music for Children video is perfect for children to practice mindfulness and meditation.
Always remember to keep it simple and keep it fun. Try not to force meditation on your child. If you think they are not interested drop the activity and move onto something else.
Over to you now. What have you done to encourage your child to meditate? Any tips to share on meditation for kids? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
