When you show your child about the world of mindfulness, you’ll be letting them discover how they can manage self-esteem, explore ways to manage their own levels of stress, and be able to approach different challenges. Mindfulness can bring any person back into a place of safety and serenity, which can help a child in a number of ways – from exam stress to managing friendships.
In this guide, we look at ways you can explore mindfulness with your own child with advice from this international school in North London.
Play games that help your child appreciate what they have
Like exploring gratitude and kindness, your child should learn about the importance of being mindful towards others. There’s a big part of mindfulness that relates to other things your child is learning about, such as key moral values and the importance of respect. You can do this in playing games with your child: ask your child to think of 3 things they were thankful for on that day. Ask them why they felt happy about the outcome and if they’d like to do it again. You’re slowly learning about what your child enjoys and wants to learn about, which is great for their wellbeing.
Explore teddy bear breathing
This involves your child holding a teddy bear, or their favourite cuddly toy, and clinging onto it tightly as they breathe slowly. Alternatively, your child can lay flat and watch their tummy expand and shrink like a teddy bear would do if they laid flat. The idea is to get children thinking about their breath and how important it is for their management of their breathing, as well as how it can show them what they need to do to remain calm.
Listen to your child with curiosity
There are times in your child’s life where they want to explore new things. There are also times where your child needs an empathetic ear and is in need of advice. Having an open environment where your child can speak freely makes for a mindful atmosphere in the home.
Be willing to listen, but also offer your own ways of approaching something new, like offering solutions your child might be happy to use. A child that feels heard is more likely to practice self care and improve their overall self-esteem.
Have fun!
Make your child embrace the happy environment they’re in, and they’ll become naturally able to explore mindfulness. Embrace those good vibes every day with your child and so comes a happy and healthy child aware of their own wants, needs and things they struggle with but will eventually explore.
