This has been a difficult year, so there has been a lot of talk about using mindfulness to help people relieve stress. Mindfulness is thought of as intentional and non-judgmental present-moment awareness. Kids may not be able to sit through a long meditation, but there are other ways to incorporate mindfulness into their lives. There are many reasons to do so, as mindfulness is a powerful tool that supports children in emotional regulation, their ability to focus, understanding their perspective, and self-compassion, which are all critical skills for wellness in school and life. Below are some easy ways to begin introducing mindfulness practices to your little one:
Go Noodle has various three-minute meditation videos on their Flow channel.
Sesame Street partnered with Headspace, a popular meditation app, to bring a series of six mindfulness videos starring our favorite monsters. Each video shows a situation where a kid might use each mindfulness technique.
Being in nature tends to help us feel more centered and present. Here are ideas for how to combine mindfulness and nature, and here is a guided meditation connected to nature.
This page has ideas for mindfulness games to play with kids, like Simon Says and balancing relays. There are many other resources for incorporating mindfulness into kids, and older kids, too!
Need book recommendations? Drake Community Library has got you covered with a Mindfulness booklist!
Anh's Anger by Gail Siver
I Am Peace by Susan Verde
Meditate with Me: A Step by Step Mindfulness Journey by Mariam Gates
Mindfulness for Kids Who Worry by Kate Austin
Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids and Their Parents by Eline Snel
For more titles check out our online catalog at: drakelibrary.org
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