Mindfulness Techniques for Kids: A Guide for Parents

In today’s moving society teaching mindfulness to children has become crucial in helping them cope with stress and enhance their concentration and emotional control skills At Evolvetherapyandyoga.com we are believers that integrating mindfulness practices into everyday life can greatly support the well being of youngsters and adolescents Here is a helpful resource, for parents looking to introduce mindfulness strategies within their households

What Is Mindfulness?

Practicing mindfulness involves being, in the moment for children; it entails teaching them to pay attention to their thoughts and feelings without any form of criticism or judgment present in their surroundings.This practice can aid kids in enhancing self awareness and decreasing anxiety while boosting focus. All skills, for navigating obstacles effectively.

Why Mindfulness Matters for Kids?

Kids have a curiosity and vivid imagination that makes them perfect, for trying out mindfulness activities in their routines. It can have some great benefits!

• Enhanced Emotional Control: Children acquire the ability to comprehend and regulate their feelings, with proficiency.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness is beneficial for children in managing stress and anxiety promoting an approach to coping with challenging situations.
• Increased Focus: Practicing mindfulness can improve attention spans. Positively impact performance by enhancing focus.
• Improve Sleep: Children can improve their sleep by practicing mindfulness, which helps them relax and rest peacefully at night.

Fun and Easy Mindfulness Techniques for Kids of different age groups:

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Bubble Breathing

• Have your child lie down and place a small stuffed animal on their belly
• Ask them to breathe deeply and watch their “buddy” rise and fall
• Encourage them to pretend they’re blowing bubbles slowly and steadily

The Five Senses Game

Guide your child to notice:

• 5 things they can see
• 4 things they can touch
• 3 things they can hear
• 2 things they can smell
• 1 thing they can taste

School-Age Children (6-11 years)

Mindful Walking

• Take a slow walk around your Tinley Park neighborhood
• Ask your child to notice how their feet feel with each step
• Encourage them to observe their surroundings with curiosity

Calm Jar

• Create a glitter jar together
• Shake it when feelings are big
• Watch the glitter settle as they take deep breaths

Tweens and Teens (12+ years)

Guided Body Scan

• Have them lie down comfortably
• Guide them to focus on each body part, starting from toes to head
• Encourage awareness without judgment
• Mindful Music Listening
• Choose a calming song
• Ask them to focus on:
• Different instruments
• The rhythm and beat
• How the music makes them feel

Making Mindfulness a Family Practice

At Evolve Therapy & Yoga, we encourage families to practice mindfulness together. Here are some tips:

• Set aside dedicated time – Even 5 minutes daily can make a difference
• Create a mindful space in your home
• Lead by example – Practice mindfulness yourself
• Keep it fun and age-appropriate
• Be patient and consistent

Evolve Therapy & Yoga is Here to Help

Our team at Evolve Therapy & Yoga specializes in helping children and families thrive. We offer mindfulness-based therapy and other resources to promote emotional well-being in your child.

Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about how we can support your family’s mindfulness journey!

Together, let’s help our children navigate the world with greater focus, calm, and self-awareness.