With all of the pressure that kids are under now they can get great benefits from a simple meditation practice. Kids schedules are crammed with school work, homework, sports and tons of other extracurricular activities. Add technology to the mix and it’s no wonder kids are so overwhelmed and stressed. Giving kids a meditation practice can help bring balance and calm to a crazy life.
When should kids start meditating?
I have meditated with children as young as 3 years old. It’s amazing to see the change in young children. I’ve watched children come into my meditation classroom as little wiggle worms who were literally bouncing off the walls. After a very short meditation session these little wiggle worms were calm and carried on an amazing conversation.
What are the benefits of meditation for kids?
Emotion Regulation
My daughter’s 6th grade teacher taught mindfulness to his students. He told us that he has noticed a huge difference in the emotional regulation of his students thanks to mindfulness. These kids went from being hormonal and raging, to coming to him and calmly talking to him when they felt a conflict coming on. It almost brought him to tears to talk about the success stories.
Enhanced Focus
There have been scientific studies that have shown improved focus in children with ADHD with the help of meditation twice a week at home. Children without ADHD are more prone to ADHD like behavior because of technology. They are constantly surfing from one app to the next. Sometimes watching a video or listening to music while playing a game. It’s no wonder kids have a hard time focusing. A regular meditation practice teaches kids that they can focus on one task at a time and be very successful at that one task.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
In a world full of responsibilities it is important to slow down and give our minds some time to rest. Meditation gives our minds and bodies time to rest and recover. The rest and recovery allows the stress and anxiety to fade away even if just a little.
Better Sleep
The best time for my family to find time to meditate is right before bedtime. It allows us to let go of the things that we have been holding onto throughout the day. If you and your kids find yourself getting distracted during your nighttime meditation with thoughts from the day, write out a to do list or a reflection list before you meditate. This will allow you to leave your thoughts on paper so that you can relax and unwind. Your meditation practice will help you sleep so much better. You might even find yourself dozing off during your meditation. And that is totally ok.
What kind of meditation should you try with your kids?
There are lots of different types of meditation you can try. One of the easiest meditations to start with might be mindfulness. If you are having a hard time sitting in silence you can try a simple guided meditation with your kids. Or if you feel comfortable doing so you can guide your child into meditation. The best thing you can do is experiment until you find the type of meditation that works best for your child. You will know it when you find it.
Wishing you peace and wellness.
