By 
Isabel’s evening routine mirrors that of many young children. After dinner, she enjoys some playtime, a few minutes of TV, a bath, and bedtime stories with a parent. The unique part of her routine? Practicing mindfulness meditation.
Isabel’s mother noticed her daughter’s tendency toward anxiety and deep thinking. The bedtime separation had been challenging, so they explored ways for Isabel to manage her own anxiety. Both parents, subscribers to the Headspace meditation app, began incorporating short, child-friendly meditations, visualizations, and breathing exercises into her bedtime routine.
Initially, Isabel found meditation unusual. But within days, she not only grew to enjoy it but even guided herself through a meditation. She now requests it regularly.
Mindfulness, in essence, involves observing the present moment with openness and compassion, and its benefits for children are becoming increasingly evident.
Christiane Kerr, a Montessori teacher and founder of Calm for Kids, believes simple mindfulness exercises benefit young children by improving focus and emotional control. Schools are adopting mindfulness practices, taking advantage of opportunities like school assemblies to introduce it.
Children face unique stresses that mindfulness can help alleviate. Arabella Tring, a mindfulness instructor for all ages, notes that it aids in sleep, emotional management, and reducing anxiety, even helping some children overcome panic attacks.
Research at Headspace shows positive feedback on mindfulness practices designed for children, and the app is popular among families. Christiane suggests starting young children with breathing exercises using soft toys, feathers, or tools like a Hoberman sphere to make the concept of breath more tangible.
Mindfulness doesn’t always mean sitting quietly; mindful walks or simple listening activities can be effective and enjoyable for kids. Practices like “Rose Bud Thorn” encourage children to reflect on daily challenges and achievements, while “Listen and Repeat” helps them feel heard.
Consistency from parents is key to building mindfulness habits in children, says Christiane, as children tend to imitate their parents’ actions.
Since beginning her evening meditations, Isabel now goes to bed without worry and appears more content overall.
