Mindfulness Practice for Little Kids
In early childhood, mindfulness practice can help cultivate crucial skills such as focus, emotional regulation, and resilience.
By introducing simple mindfulness exercises like deep breathing and guided imagery, children learn to manage stress, navigate challenging emotions, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. These practices not only promote mental well-being, but also enhance concentration and academic performance, setting a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated or formal, but it does take practice.
It can be as simple as bringing awareness to the present moment, “Do you feel the cool breeze on your face while you swing?”; or encouraging gratitude, “I am so grateful to be at the park with you on this beautiful day.”
Mindfulness practice offers a guided pathway for children (and adults!) to develop a sense of calm, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Our collection of printable mindfulness worksheets provides a variety of engaging activities designed to help children explore presence of mind, manage stress, and nurture emotional development.
Mindfulness is a holistic life skill that promotes mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Read on to learn about 6 mindfulness activities for kids!
Can mindfulness help with anxiety?
Mindfulness practice provides a path to greater calm and clarity. By gently guiding attention to the present moment without judgment, mindfulness allows kids to observe their thoughts and feelings instead of becoming overwhelmed by them. Through mindfulness techniques, kids can learn to soothe the restless mind and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts.
With consistent mindfulness practice, the flexibility to respond to anxiety with ease and compassion becomes second nature. With mindfulness, anxiety loses its grip and a sense of serenity and empowerment emerges.
FOREST BODY SCAN
This body scan meditation is crafted with age-appropriate language and imagery to make it easy for kids to follow and enjoy. As they close their eyes and embark on a meditative adventure, the narrator should use a soothing voice to encourage a sense of peace and awareness. These meditations not only promote relaxation, but also help children develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Explore our collection of MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES and BOOKS ABOUT MINDFULNESS.
2. FIVE SENSES AWARENESS
Help kids center themselves by bringing awareness to the senses. This mindfulness practice is tailored to captivate attention and instill the art of being present in the moment. As they examine their environment through the senses, children develop emotional resilience, enhanced concentration, and a foundation for lifelong well-being.
Explore our collection of MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES and BOOKS ABOUT MINDFULNESS.
3. WEEKDAY JOURNAL
Encourage kids to engage in the present moment with an awareness through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. This daily mindfulness journal employs sensory encounters to foster a sense of balance in kids.
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4. YOGA FOR KIDS
Designed to blend the magic of movement with the balance of mindfulness, this yoga sequence can help kids self-regulate in times of upset. Yoga practice promotes inner calm and body awareness while fulfilling a need for physical movement.
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5. NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT
Practice mindfulness in nature through sensory exploration. This scavenger hunt inspires an outdoor journey that encourages kids to connect with nature, sharpen their observational skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment around them.
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6. PAPER FORTUNE TELLER
This foldable fortune teller is a fun and engaging way to prompt mindfulness practice with kids. Engage in body stretches, deep breathing, and sensory exploration while meditating on kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Encourage kids to practice on their own or with their friends and family!
Explore our collection of MINDFULNESS ACTIVITIES and BOOKS ABOUT MINDFULNESS.
