All About Mindfulness for Kids
In today’s world, where distractions abound and stress can creep in even at a young age, teaching kids mindfulness has never been more essential. But what exactly is mindfulness and why is it important for our kids?
It is the intentional awareness of thoughts and feelings that lead to actions.
🌈 how and why you were thinking, feeling, and acting
🌈 whether the way you were acting is appropriate
🌈 awareness of what it is and what you can do to shift these thoughts, feelings, and actions
The art of practicing mindfulness includes:
⭐️ gratitude
⭐️ goal setting
⭐️ self regulation
⭐️ recognition of feelings
⭐️ empathy
⭐️ encouragement
⭐️ releasing feelings & working through emotions
⭐️ building positive relationships (with others and Self)
⭐️ emotional regulation
⭐️ self love & acceptance
⭐️… this and so much more!
At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment.
Mindfulness is important for everyone but is especially important for kids.
Because kids are still growing and developing, their brains are biologically unable to process emotions and how to handle them (i.e. decision-making). An adult brain can. That is why you see children frustrated over what adults would deem "trivial" things.
It is important that we teach our kids how to be aware of how they are feeling, why they are feeling this way, and what they can do to effectively and appropriately manage those feelings.
That pencil that was just thrown across the room? That wasn't done out of malice. That was done because of built-up feelings and a lack of knowledge and understanding of how to appropriately manage those feelings.
If we do not teach our kids how to manage their emotions, we run the risk of them hurting others with words and actions.
If we do not teach our kids how to manage their emotions, they will grow into adults who cannot handle the world around them.
By practicing mindfulness, kids will learn to identify how they are feeling, why they are feeling this way, and how to effectively and appropriately manage their emotions and behaviors.
They will grow up to be confident, compassionate, caring people... people this world so desperately needs more of.
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Tips for Practicing Mindfulness WITH your kids:
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Start with 5-10 minutes per day or 2-3 times per week and build from there.
01. Start Small
Being comfortable is a large part of practicing. Have blankets and pillows or even teddy bears to keep the kids comfortable. A quiet environment with no distractions helps to silence and clear the mind, as well as keep students in focus.
02. Get comfortable & reduce distractions
03. Make a Routine
Setting a specific time for kids to practice mindfulness will help their minds and bodies adjust more easily as it becomes part of their routine. For example, have kids practice when they get home from school to “separate” their school energy from home energy.
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04. be patient
It’s going to be difficult for kids to develop the habit of practicing mindfulness. But don’t despair! Don’t give up! It’s going to be worth it! Remind kids that mindfulness is a skill that takes time to develop. Encourage them to be patient with themselves and celebrate small progress.
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05. Use Guided Imagery & Exercises
Utilize apps or online videos designed for kids that offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises. This makes the practice more engaging.
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Turn mindfulness into a game. Use activities like mindful coloring, nature scavenger hunts, or simple yoga poses that encourage focus and awareness.
06. Incorporate play
Recommended Read: The Benefits of Mindful Breathing for Kids
Teach deep breathing techniques - check out ROOOAAARRR! Like A Dragon to get you started in mindful breathing! Practice it together to help calm the mind.
07. Breathe together
Designate a cozy corner at home for mindfulness practice, filled with comfortable cushions, calming images, or nature sounds. Get my Creating Mindful Spaces book for help with this!
08. Create a mindful space
Encourage kids to reflect on what they are grateful for. This can be done through a gratitude journal or sharing thoughts at the dinner table.
09. practice gratitude
Show your own mindfulness practices, whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a moment of silence. Your example can inspire them to adopt similar habits. Kids are always more likely to do something when they see others they trust do it as well. Practicing mindfulness with your kids (and individually) not only benefits both of you, but helps to build a better child-grown up relationship.
10. model mindfulness
By introducing mindfulness practices early on, we empower kids to cultivate focus, resilience, and emotional well-being, fostering a sense of calm that can carry into adulthood. Remember, the journey of mindfulness is not about perfection but rather about being present and open to the moment, to help our kids thrive in a world that often feels overwhelming and creating a foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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The Benefits of Boredom for Kids
These days our kids are never bored and, somehow, being bored became a bad thing. We have this idea that boredom is a lack of something. That we are keeping something from our kids by letting them be bored.
But we aren't.
In fact, we are actually GIVING them something- the ability to be more independent, reflect on themselves and their surroundings, boost their imagination, and be more mindful.
hey, i'm mae!
Former Kindergarten & Elementary teacher and kids yoga instructor, I began creating mindfulness resources while I was completing my Master's degree in Educational Psychology at McGill University.
I've had my work published in some of the world's most sought-after kids yoga teacher trainings, including Cosmic Kids and Kids Yoga Stories.
i'm a creatively obsessed, 5/2 manifestor, overachieving, nature loving dog mom who runs on coffee and nutty buddys.
I've been building Wolf and Whimsy Kids since 2017.
and it just keeps getting bigger and better, beyond what i could possibly have dreamed up.
I'm genuinely so excited and grateful that you've landed here.
Welcome to the Wolf and Whimsy Kids movement.
Favorite Freebies
from wolf & whimsy kids
Use these 7 Mindful Games for Kids to help kids get out of their minds and into their bodies with fun, mindful movement - designed to help your kids with coordination, concentration, balance, patience, kindness, and so much more!
7 MINDFUL GAMES FOR KIDS
mindful music for kids
GUIDED IMAGERY COLLECTION
YOGA FOR HANDS, WRISTS, & EYES
With these guided imagery scripts for kids, you will be giving your kids the tools they need to reduce stress and anxiety, ease tension, release emotions, and shift their energy so they can be inspired, creative, and happy kids!
these spotify playlists are perfectly curated for added fun and playfulness to your yoga class, meditation, guided imagery session, dance party, or even as background music for your space!
We constantly use our hands, wrists, and eyes. There is no part of our day when we are not using these body parts. Yet, we don’t allow them to release. Use these yoga poses to stretch your hands, wrists, and eyes and release the tension that is held there.
click the button and watch the balls fly! this fun journal prompt generator is the perfect way to get your daily journal prompt from wolf and whimsy kids!
journal prompt generator
THIS BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK USES ENGAGING GUIDED IMAGERY, SIMPLE MOVEMENTS, AND FUN MINDFUL BREATHING PRACTICES TO TEACH KIDS HOW TO USE THEIR BREATH TO STAY ENERGIZED, FIND CALM, AND BE THEMSELVES.
roooAAArrr Like a Dragon
Favorite resources
60 pre-made yoga cards (B&W+ color), a list of yoga pose alignments and caller cards, and 12 blank cards for you to create your own yoga poses and game!
Yoga Bingo
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