Mindfulness techniques are excellent tools used for self-regulating, allowing us to take a break and reset when things seem out of control. Teaching mindfulness to children gives them the ability to develop awareness regarding their outer and inner experiences.
It helps them understand ways in which emotions can manifest in their bodies and using the right tools to get back in control when they feel overwhelmed. At Mt. Elizabeth Academy, we encourage students to practice mindfulness to adopt healthy ways of regulating their emotions.
Here are three easy mindfulness exercises you can teach your children:
Drawing Emotions
Mindfulness is about being aware of what you are feeling. Often, young children are unable to name their feeling, which prevents us from helping them the right way. A great way to tackle this is by encouraging them to draw what they are feeling.
It is an excellent way for children to understand what they are feeling and expressing their emotions without saying anything. It is best to encourage them to draw their emotions on different occasions, not just when they are sad and upset. This will help them understand more about different emotions, and you can assist them in finding ways to tackle them.
Noticing Five Things
Consciously noticing the world around you can help bring your back from the overwhelming whirlpool of emotions. It can be even more challenging for young kids.
Try playing the game of five things with your child. This can include the things you can touch, smell, hear, and see.
- Start yourself by pointing out the five things you see.
- Ask your child to do the same.
- Once done, explain how this game can help them if they feel upset, anxious, or sad.
Make sure you practice this regularly so that your child eventually starts utilizing this technique when feeling overwhelmed.
Taking Ten Breaths
Practicing deep breathing is an effective and simple way of helping children calm their minds and bodies. Start practicing it together:
- Sit together in a comfortable place.
- Ask your child to close their eyes or focus on one point on the floor.
- Tell them to place one hand on their belly and do the same.
- Breathe in deeply so that air fills up your belly.
- Show them how to breathe out slowly.
- Repeat ten times or start with five, and gradually move to ten as you practice.
The more they practice, the easier it would be for them to use this technique when they need to regulate their emotions.
Mindfulness exercises are valuable for children as it helps them get in more control of their emotions and thoughts. It gives them healthy coping techniques that help them throughout their life.
Experiment with different mindfulness exercises to find a few that work best for your child. Keep encouraging them and practice together, so they know feeling anxious or overwhelmed is normal, and there are ways to cope through that.
Our staff is always happy to assist you with any concerns and questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Our daycare offers after-school programs, vacation camp, pre-K, and other early learning activities for families in Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, and other areas. Get in touch with us today for more information.