Not sure how to dive in? Unclear about how to introduce mindfulness to your kiddos? Start here!
Our goal at Mindful Kiddos is to make this as easy to start and make a part of your life as possible!
#1 - You don't need to give a big speech or know the right things to say about mindfulness as a concept. In fact, depending on the age of your kiddo(s), it may be better to just try an activity together and then ask them how it made them feel. (Activities are in blog posts, podcasts and video).
#2 - It may feel awkward and you and/or your kiddos may not like it at first because it is different. Don't give up! Keep trying until you get past any awkwardness and can settle into the calm feeling.
#3 - You are simply a guide. Do not feel pressure to make it go a certain way or have a certain outcome. Taking time to breathe or have awareness is exactly it. There's nothing more.
#4 - Be an example. Our activities are geared toward kiddos in their language, but the practices apply to you, too! If they can see you taking time to breathe or pause and be aware, it may become engrained more easily in your lives.
#5 - Mindfulness is based in non-judgment. No matter how an activity goes, make sure you guide your child (and yourself) to just say, "ok. that's how that went." Period. Nothing to fix. Each day the activities will go differently. Just pay attention and be in the moment, however it is.
An important note for kiddos with trauma
We all have different experiences and many of our children have experienced trauma, whether as a child of divorce or parental fighting, as a foster child, as the result of loss of a family member or pet, from significant change, bullying, or any number of traumatic events. As a mindfulness guide, pay attention to any stress activities cause for your kiddo.
Age-appropriate resistance, like "ugh, this is dumb!" or wiggling around and wanting to do something else, is bound to happen in the beginning and maybe from time to time.
What you're looking for is if a child is getting agitated or sad or anxious - they are likely being triggered by a thought or memory.
Let them know they can stop anytime.
And as a parent who knows them, you can choose to open conversation as appropriate. You can also choose to educate yourself in trauma with a number of books (see the links on our books page). The point here - mindfulness may be EXACTLY what they need to work through tough feelings, AND it may be very tough to start. Be observant, supportive and non-judgmental, of your child and of yourself.
Just give it a go!
You really can't mess up by just trying. In time, I promise this will feel more natural and you'll find the methods that work for you and your family. This is a great time to thank yourself for taking the time to invest in wellness. You're making such a beautiful choice for yourself and your kiddos.