We could all use a little more mindfulness right now, but learning how to start meditating regularly can be intimidating, especially for kids. But adding mindfulness to their daily routine doesn’t have to be about sitting down for 10 or 15 minutes at a time and trying to empty their mind of all thoughts; it can be little moments here and there that allow them slow down, live in the moment and calm their mind and body.
Even though it’s currently pretty frightening outside where many of us live, one fun and easy mindfulness suggestion I found utilises something that would feel kind of refreshing right now: Snow.
Today’s Parent explains how to teach our kids to take a “snow break”:
During a transition — say, from the iPad to dinner table — get your kid to lie down on the ground, close their eyes and imagine a light snowfall drifting down onto them. When they’re “all covered with snow,” it’s time to jump up, shake it off and head to the next activity.
Trying the Snow Break exercise during a transition is an especially good piece of advice, as transitions can be particularly stressful or challenging for many kids. A small moment of mindfulness between activities may help calm them enough to ease everyone into a smoother transition.
And if the Snow Break technique doesn’t work, you know there’s always the “Wet Cat” technique to fall back on — both of these exercises are good for kids and adults alike and represent small moments of mindfulness you can add into your daily routine or fall back on when anxiety starts to bubble up.
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