PRACTICING MINDFULNESS WITH CHILDREN

With the recent stressors and changes to routine, children may have a hard time adjusting to their new way of life, however temporary. This can cause overwhelming feelings and negative emotions to increase.

Last week we shared some calming practices for adults, but mindfulness is important for all ages. Children may think it sounds silly, because when we say mindfulness we think of meditation and sitting on the floor with our legs crossed. Practicing mindfulness, however, can be as simple as going for a walk or trying some fun activities that encourage children to manage their overwhelming feelings by staying in the moment.

Teaching children to practice mindfulness and focusing their brain on the present will let them know that they are safe. If practiced, over time children can learn to use these skills to help them self-soothe in times of stress.

Focusing on the five senses grounds us and helps children focus on the present. It helps children and adults regulate emotions. In times when children are experiencing overwhelming feelings, we can simply invite them on a walk outdoors.

MINDFULNESS WALK:

> Find five things you can see---birds, flowers, street signs, etc.

> Find four things you can hear---dog barking, car horn, music, etc.

> Find three things you can feel-- rocks, leaves, the wind, etc.

> Find two things you can smell --fresh cut grass, flowers, etc.

> Find one thing you can taste--water, herb, gum, etc.

For additional resources to help during this time visit www.allianceforchildren.org/prevention-resources.

ALLIANCEFORCHILDREN.ORG