How To Teach Your Child Mindfulness: Tips From A Child Therapist

Mindfulness is the act of being in the present moment. Though this may sound like something easy to do, it can be challenging.

For kids, this strategy can be very challenging. This is due to the amount of stimulus that kids have in their life.

Most kids today, have gadgets all around them. Phone, tables, smart tv’s, and even the new cool smartwatch that does one too many things.

The reason that I am sharing this with you is to provide clarity on the importance of mindfulness and how the practice can be difficult.

Mindfulness for kids can at times be challenging due to the practice requiring focus on one singular area. Kids typically have their attention pulled in hundreds of directions.

I want to share with you a few methods that you can utilize to teach your child mindfulness.

3 Ways To Teach Your Child Mindfulness

1. Go walking together.

Next time that you go walking, try to shift your approach to mindfulness. You can do this by walking with your child and asking them to focus on the colors in nature. For instance, you could say, “as we walk, let’s try to only focus on the colors in nature. The colors of the trees and leaves. The colors of the roots and limbs. Try to let your mind remain focused on these areas.”

2. Play with the five sensations.

Sit with your child and play the sensation game. You can do this in many forms. I’ll share with you one method.

While sitting with your child ask the following. You and your child can answer the questions together one at a time.

• Question #1. What are 5 smells that you can pick up on?
• Question #2. What are 5 sounds that you can pick up on?
• Question #3. What are 5 tastes that you can pick up on?
• Question #4. What are 5 things that you can see?

 3. Listen to music together.

Pick a song to listen to.

Together sit and quietly listen to the song together. While listening encourage your mind to focus on the song and only the song. If you notice that your mind wanders, gently shift it back to the song.

At the end of the song, take 5 deep breathes together.

Explore the following together:

• What was it like to listen to the song?
• How often did your mind lose focus?
• What did it feel like to refocus your mind?
• What did you learn from the activity?

Benefits To Practicing Mindfulness:

• Get to know your triggers.
• Learn healthy coping skills.
• Reduce stress.
• Promote self-low.
• Identify warning signs such as those connected to depression or anxiety.

Are you ready to start counseling for your child?

I love working with kids and families.

Please feel welcome to reach out to me by calling 336-663-6570 or emailing admin@santoscounseling.com

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