Mindfulness for Kids
Mindfulness for Kids
Kids aren’t always as excited as we are when it comes to mindfulness practices. Meditation and yoga don’t usually excite children. However, there is a lot to gain from learning how to harvest mindfulness on their own. It is so important to give kids the tools to help them fend off negative thoughts and behaviors, build self-confidence, focus, and treat others and themselves with respect and appreciation for the rest of their lives. Before we jump into it, please take a moment to pin this post to your homeschool board.
Mindfulness is on trend
You may have noticed that mindfulness programs are popping up all over the place! Schools nationwide have started implementing mindfulness practices in their classrooms and studies are showing that mindfulness practices have a positive impact on academic performance, stress levels, and emotional maturity. So, how do we get started? How can we get the whole family on board? How can we present yoga and meditation to kids in a way they will actually enjoy and look forward to?
Mindfulness Read Alouds
Beginning the practice of mindfulness and getting children excited about trying out new mindfulness techniques can begin easily by introducing the theories and practices of positivity and mindfulness through books.
When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry
This is a classic book about feelings, which you may be familiar with. This book offers a simple way for kids to face their anger. Sophie gets angry because she perceives unfairness and throws a fit! Her solution is to run away and climb a tree, looking out unto the wide world she finds her calm. The message of finding a peaceful space, and connecting with the world helps in times of distress is very useful.
Silence
This is a beautifully illustrated and gently written book that encourages children to stop, listen and reflect on the world around them and their experiences.
What Does It Mean to Be Present?
This book, with its simple text, teaches kids that being “present” is not just being physically present, it is about being mindful of one’s surroundings. Listening, seeing, and using one’s mind in a thoughtful manner.
Visiting Feelings
This book invites children into the world of mindfulness and emotional awareness and fully experiences the present moment. Children are invited to explore, sense, and become friends with any feeling without judgment and to give their feelings sensory descriptions such as “smooth” like ice cream or “sharp” like stones. The feelings are not named, allowing children to experience their emotions without preconceived notions.
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches a playful and fun meditation practice that parents and children can do to connect with nature and maintain a calm, mindful attitude. This book contains instructions for activities that are hands-on, this book is meant to be more active than the sitting still and listening to type books we are so used to. This book is great for children who need to move constantly.
I Think, I Am!: Teaching the Power of Affirmations
In this book, fun illustrations and simple text demonstrate how to make the change from negative thoughts and words to those that are positive. Teaching children the powerful idea that they have control over their thoughts and words, and in turn, what happens in their life.
Now
Follow a little girl as she takes you on a tour through all of her favorite things, from the holes she digs to the hugs she gives in Now, A great reminder about finding joy in the present moment.
A Boy and a Bear: The Children’s Relaxation Book
This book is about a young boy who encounters a polar bear while climbing a snow-covered mountain, this book teaches children relaxation techniques to reduce stress, prepare for sleep, and improve self-confidence.
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
The author takes the reader on a soothing journey of mindfulness, centeredness, and compassion for the world
There are so many books that will inspire children to become more mindful. I will share more amazing picture books in the next few weeks as well. Make sure to check us out on social media for more mindful tips.
Even More Positive #KidLit Titles
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