Exploring Mindfulness with Your Child

For those of you who are unsure, mindfulness refers to the ability to be fully present in a certain moment, paying attention to what we can hear, see, feel, taste or smell in that moment. It’s a practice used to help with mental health by allowing a person to bring their thoughts back to that very moment rather than letting them wander and overwhelm us. 

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You can use simple, everyday moments to practise mindfulness with your child, until it starts to come naturally to them. Children tend to be more mindful anyway, as every new experience is fresh and exhilarating for them. However, parents should try to help their kids continue to be mindful as they grow, because it may help them manage their emotions and handle the stress of schoolwork, relationships, and other pressures. A sixth form in Somerset have put together some advice on how to help your child be more mindful.

Encourage your child to discuss their senses on a regular basis so that they learn to bring their wandering thoughts back to a present moment and appreciate each experience, no matter how small. For instance, when eating dinner, ask them what flavours they can taste or smell and what they think of the different textures. If they are nervous about an upcoming test, ask them if they’ve noticed any physical changes in their body, like nausea or sweaty palms. Next time you take a walk through the park, talk to your child about what is going on around you. Are there any leaves crunching beneath your feet as you walk to signal Autumn-time? Are there any birds singing in the background? 

The idea is to be more aware of every little experience as they happen, rather than dwelling on something that’s been and gone or worrying about something that might never happen, like failing a test or falling out with a friend. Keep practising and be patient with your child; let them move at their own pace.

This is a collaborative post.