Paying attention to the present moment, such as your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, is the first step to being a mindful person. It’s about enjoying experiences as they happen, no matter how small, to avoid dwelling on things that worry us or make us unhappy. Mindfulness is a popular meditation technique and helps people feel happier and more accomplished. With that said, it’s a good idea for parents to explore mindfulness with their kids. Read on for some tips from a junior school in London.
Mindfulness isn’t as complicated as you might think. You can practise with pretty much anything you do, like eating a snack or hugging a relative. Essentially, the trick is to get your child to notice and appreciate things as they’re happening, rather than letting special moments pass by without any recognition. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences and how it makes them feel.
Starting a gratitude journal might help your child become more mindful, because it will encourage them to think about the positive elements of their day. Encourage your child to write down a few things they’re grateful for in the morning and then again at night, so that they start and finish their day with a sense of appreciation. This activity will help your child focus on what they have here and now, rather than concentrating on things they wish they had.
Walking through nature is a great opportunity to practise mindfulness because it’s such a sensory experience. Ask your child to share with you some of the things they can see, hear, smell, and feel. We live in such a busy world; we sometimes fail to notice what’s right before our eyes. Mindful walks help anchor us in the present, which is a great stress reliever. Obviously, walking is also great for their physical health and a great opportunity to get them to put down their digital devices for a short while.
