Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm (Mindful Tots)

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Harnett, P. H., Whittingham, K., Puhakka, E., Hodges, J., Spry, C., & Dob, R. (2010). The short-term impact of a brief group-based mindfulness therapy program on depression and life satisfaction. Mindfulness, 1(3), 183–188. In recent years, mindfulness has received increasing interest from the psychological and scientific community and now forms an essential element of several therapeutic approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Giraldi, 2019). Like adults, children can use quotes to help them further their understanding and stay focused on their goals. To help your child appreciate the power of mindfulness, try sharing and discussing these quotes with them. After you play the calm and clear-minded version, discuss again; did he have an easier time paying attention? Did the mindful breathing contribute to better focus?

The script will walk you through bringing yourself to greater awareness, being present in your body, breathing mindfully, finding your anger, and allowing yourself to express it, let go of it, or both. We typically fail to notice the many sounds surrounding us. In this challenge, the child practices slowing down, paying closer attention, heightening their awareness, and becoming a more mindful listener. Navarro-Haro, M. V., Campos, D., Linehan, M. M., Hoffman, H. G., García-Palacios, A., Modrego-Alarcón, M., Borao, L., & García-Campayo, J. (2017). Meditation experts try virtual reality mindfulness: A pilot study evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality to facilitate mindfulness practice in people attending a mindfulness conference. Plos One, 12(11). As an added bonus, the worksheet can also be used for coloring, offering children an opportunity to practice even more mindfulness.Simply print, cut, and laminate the cards and place it on a small binder ring. Then you can take it on the go, place it in a calm down kit, or have available to your child at school. Or adults might find it helpful to keep at their desk at work. It can strengthen children’s self-control and emotional regulation skills, both in class and at home. This game will help your child see the advantages of being mindful and encourage him to work on his own mindfulness. 3. Pennies Game

Greater well-being (e.g., lower test anxiety, lower stress, fewer posttraumatic symptoms, and less depression; Mindful Schools, n.d.). Consider using the following to manage unhelpful or negative thoughts and emotions and foster a greater perception of control: Keep timing in mind; keep mindfulness exercises short and sweet and plan them for times when your students may have a bit less energy (Counselor Keri, 2018).You will gain access to a tried-and-tested program that can be seamlessly integrated into your existing practice. Counselor Keri. (2018). 4 strategies for teaching mindfulness in kindergarten. Counselor Keri: Resources to Spark Student Growth! Retrieved from https://www.counselorkeri.com/2018/10/01/mindfulness-for-kindergarten/

Mindful walks are great ways to practice and maintain mindfulness in your everyday life, and your teenager will likely feel the same. Burke, C. A. (2009). Mindfulness-based approaches with children and adolescents: A preliminary review of current research in an emergent field. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19, 133-144. The balancing relay game is good for children 5 and older. If you’ve ever seen or participated in an egg and spoon race, you’ll recognize this game.

8 Mindfulness Quotes for Kids and Young Children

Greenberg, M. T., & Harris, A. R. (2011). Nurturing mindfulness in children and youth: Current state of research. Child Development Perspectives, 0, 1-6. Mindful visualization can be performed across multiple situations and scenarios to improve emotional awareness and offer deeply personal insights. Reflect on what you would do with one year left to live or if you had enough money to do anything with your life. This is a great way for children to work on becoming more present, a vital practice for encouraging mindfulness.

DBT is a modified form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, encompassing elements of mindfulness and focusing on developing the skills required to manage highly emotional situations and events (Leonard, 2020). You will start with a full breath in and a long breath out, then counting through your breath, and finally observing the way your body feels as you breathe—how your chest rises and falls, how it feels to take air in through your nose, etc. This is a great exercise for teenagers because it will not only help them become more mindful, it can also encourage them to be better and safer drivers.If you’re looking for a toy that was designed to help your child be more mindful, the mindfulness bear might be just what you’re looking for. Enhancing important social and emotional skills (e.g., the ability to feel in control, to make and maintain meaningful relationships, to accept reality, to manage difficult feelings, and to be calmer, more resilient, more compassionate, and more empathetic). The program is offered by the nonprofit Youth Mindfulness, a charity that is devoted to boosting mindfulness in children, adolescents, and young adults. The One Year Youth Mindfulness Program is “ an in-depth comprehensive learning experience, training practitioners to teach mindfulness from a place of compassion, authenticity, and confidence.” This breathing exercise helps us regain a sense of calm and control over our body and mind and encourages increased feelings of wellness.