Exploring Mindfulness With Your Child

Whilst life for children is a lot different to how it was a couple of generations ago, with little one’s having less responsibility and more time to be young and carefree, just like anyone else, there are still times when they can get anxious. Parents are often left wanting to find the best way to help their child relax in these types of situations. One thing that is quite common to practice, especially among adults, is exploring mindfulness. For those who are unaware, mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing on individual awareness of what is happening in the present. It is extremely therapeutic and great for those who overthink and struggle with anxiety. Continue reading for some advice from this independent school in Surrey on exploring mindfulness with your child 

Explore different ways to meditate

Mindfulness is essentially a form of meditation and something that benefits both children and adults throughout their entire life. Creating the time in your daily routine to sit with your child and meditate to realign focus, will be great for your little one’s overall growth. It is important to explore this gradually as your child may not take it as seriously when you first try and encourage them to meditate, given that they will most likely be unaware of what it actually is. Sit down for just 5 minutes a day and gradually work your way up. If you’re confused about where to start, there are a number of free apps available, such as Headspace, which can guide you through. It’s quite literally all about breathing and being able to control the space in your mind. 

Explore the wilderness

A mental health walk is a real thing and something that became commonly practised during the pandemic. Go on mindful walks with your child, whether it is around the neighbourhood or at your local nature reserve, and point out the different sights and sounds that you come across along the way. This activity helps children to become a lot more aware of their senses. From the crunch of stepping on a twig, to the smell of leaves and wet mud, your child will find themselves in a situation where they can do nothing but focus on the present. And that is exactly what mindfulness is all about.

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Mindfulness can be explored in a number of ways, from 5 minutes of daily meditation to a relaxing walk. The act of paying close attention to breathing should be focused on throughout each activity, connecting both mind and heart to the current, and diffusing the worries of the past and future.