Practicing mindfulness can help anyone become more aware, and more present of the moment, leading to a greater appreciation for the positive things in their life. It may not be something you’ve ever thought about in relation to your child, but exploring mindfulness with them can be hugely beneficial to their development into a young adult.
That is why I have partnered with a Nursery in Romsey to bring to you some suggestions of how you can explore mindfulness with your children.
Walks in Nature
Getting outside and appreciating the natural world with your children can help them appreciate the beauty of the world around them. Point out the sights and sounds around them, from birds to the wind running through the trees. Talk to them about how the world around them makes them feel, putting them in touch with their emotions and how they can change depending on their surroundings.
Breathing Exercises
Paying attention to your breathing is a key and very effective way to practice mindfulness. Encourage your children to be aware of the sensation of breathing in and breathing out, and ask them to talk about how concentrating on their breathing makes them feel.
Mindful Eating
Engaging with food is also a very effective mindfulness practice. Try and get your children to express how different tastes and smells make them feel, as well as bringing attention to how grateful you are for the food on your table. Try not to watch TV whilst eating to encourage your children to pay more attention to the sensations offered by each bite of their meal. Having conversations around food is important to bring to light the benefits of food for both health and pleasure.
Bedtime
Exploring mindfulness around bedtime can help your child relax and have a healthier sleep pattern. Encourage them to use their breathing exercises when going to sleep, to help them clear their mind and be in a better state of relaxation as they go to sleep. Going to sleep with a clear mind, and not one that is thinking about everything else going on in their lives, can help your children rest in a more centered and peaceful state of mind.
