How to Help Your Child Practice Mindfulness

This ten-step article can show you how to help your child practice mindfulness in simple ways. Mindfulness is a concept that may sound big and complex, but it’s a beautiful practice even kindergarteners can understand. Being mindful means paying close attention to what’s happening. It’s like having a superpower called “focus.” Imagine you’re coloring a beautiful picture or enjoying a tasty snack. When you’re mindful, you give your full attention to that picture you are coloring or to that snack you are tasting. You notice the colors, the taste, and how it makes you feel.

Now, let’s dive deeper into what mindfulness truly means for our kindergarteners.

The Magic of Focus

Focus is like a spotlight that helps you see things clearly. Like a detective looking for clues, when you’re mindful, you use your super-focus power to explore your world. Imagine you’re playing with your favorite toy, a teddy bear, or a puzzle. Instead of thinking about other toys or what’s for dinner, you concentrate on that specific toy. You notice how the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly or how soft and cuddly your teddy bear feels in your arms. This is being mindful, and it’s a fantastic superpower!

Embracing the Present Moment

The “present moment” is like a special gift box filled with surprises. It’s where life happens right now! Being mindful means opening this gift box and enjoying the treasures inside. So, whether you’re playing with friends at the playground, listening to a story in class, or having a yummy apple for a snack, focus on what’s happening at that very moment. It’s like savoring every bite of a delicious ice cream cone or feeling the warm sun on your face. Being mindful helps you savor life’s little joys.

Discovering Feelings

Imagine you’re feeling sad because your favorite toy got a little scratch. Mindfulness is like having a friendly detective inside you. It helps you understand your feelings. When you’re mindful, you explore your emotions and thoughts without judgment. You can say, “I feel sad because my toy got hurt.” This helps you talk about your feelings and find a way to make yourself feel better. Being mindful means being a detective of your own emotions.

Kindness and Sharing

Just like being mindful helps you explore your feelings, it also makes you better at understanding how others feel. It’s like having a magic pair of glasses that help you see what others need. When your friend is sad, and you notice it, you can be a mindful friend by offering a hug or a kind word. Mindfulness makes you more aware of what’s happening around you. You can be kind to others because you see and understand their feelings.

Breathing and Calmness

Sometimes, when things get a little crazy or you feel upset, being mindful can help you find calm. It’s like a magical tool called “mindful breathing.” Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and breathe out slowly. Feel your chest and tummy rise and fall as you breathe. This simple exercise can help you relax and feel more peaceful. It’s like a gentle breeze on a warm day, making everything better.

Nurturing Patience

Sometimes, you might feel impatient. You may be waiting for your turn in a game or for dinner to be ready. Being mindful can teach you to be patient. It’s like planting a tiny seed and waiting for it to grow into a beautiful flower. When you’re patient, you don’t get upset or rush things. You understand that good things come to those who wait, just like the cookies that come out of the oven all warm and delicious when they’re ready.

Creating Happy Memories

Imagine you’re at the park, swinging on a swing. Being mindful at this moment means paying attention to the wind in your hair, the laughter of your friends, and the sun in the sky. When you grow up, these memories will be like precious treasures you can look back on and smile. Mindfulness helps you create a collection of happy memories to keep in your heart.

Good Listening

Being mindful also makes you a good listener. When your teacher or friend talks, you focus on their words, just like listening to your favorite song. Good listening helps you understand what others are saying so you can respond thoughtfully. It makes your conversations more meaningful and your relationships stronger.

Avoiding Worry and Stress

Sometimes, you might worry about the future or get stressed about things. Being mindful can help you manage these feelings. It’s like having a shield against worry bugs. When you’re mindful, you focus on the present moment, where there’s no need to worry about the future because it hasn’t happened yet, or stress about the past because it is already finished. You can simply enjoy what you’re doing right now and leave your worries behind. If the worry bugs try to whisper in your ear, simply shoosh them away and bring your thought back to right this moment.

Empathy and Friendship

Empathy is a big word that means understanding how others feel and caring about them. Being mindful helps you become more empathetic. When your friend is happy, you can share in their joy; when they’re sad, you can offer comfort. This makes your friendships stronger and more loving. It’s like building a friendship castle filled with kindness and understanding.

Mindfulness is like a treasure chest filled with beautiful gifts you can use daily. It’s a superhero power that you already have inside you. By being mindful, you can focus on the present moment, understand your feelings and the feelings of others, be kind and patient, and create happy memories. So, whether you’re playing, learning, or enjoying a delicious snack, remember to be mindful and savor every precious moment. It’s a superpower that can make your days brighter and more beautiful.

Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone, a career pediatric occupational therapist in Huntersville, North Carolina, authored this post.