We’ve all heard buzzwords like “being present,” and “mindfulness.” They all mean the same thing, right? When you take a closer look, the answer is no. Mindfulness refers to focusing or noticing just one thing for a set amount of time. Being present means living in the moment with full awareness- not operating on autopilot.
Both adults and children should learn how to push the pause button during their busy days for their mental health. Helping children develop Social-Emotional Learning (the process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are needed for school, work and success in life) will benefit them for a lifetime.
Here are some mindfulness activities you can participate in with your children to teach them this fun, positive habit from an early age.
Feathers, shells or other objects to hold in one’s hand: quietly explore and observe the object without talking for a moment. Then guide your child through noticing the colors, textures, weight, temperature, sound, etc., it may have.
Color changing or flickering tea light candle: sit quietly with the tea light in your hand and watch the flickering or color- changing flame while taking some deep breaths.
Bubbles: have your child sit or lay on the floor. As you blow bubbles have your child pick one at a time to watch as it floats until it pops.
Hoberman Sphere: Match your breathing to the in-and-out movement of this ball. Do it at least three times, elongating the breath each time.
Environmental sounds: noticing sounds, inside or outside your house is an easy and wonderful way to practice mindfulness.
White Noise App: A free app with many of different animal and nature sounds you can quietly sit and listen to.
Breathing Buddies: Lay on the floor with a small stuffed animal on your tummy. Make it “go for a ride” up and down by breathing slowly in and out with the breath focused into the stomach. Repeat at least three times, going slower with each repetition.
Body Check-In: After a period of active movement invite your child to put their hand on their heart and notice how it feels in the body. After resting and breathing with a breathing buddy (mentioned above), repeat the check-in. What differences do you notice? This exercise helps build self-regulation skills as your child grows.
Books from our Library you may want to check out on this topic:
Move, Breathe and Go Slowly: Slumbly the Sloth Goes to School
by Chiara Carminati
Breathe
by Scott Magoon
Breathe & Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems
by Kate Coombs
I Am a Peaceful Goldfish
by Soshana Chaim
Crafting Calm: Art & Activities for Mindful Kids
by Megan Borgert-Spaniel
You can also enjoy on-demand mindfulness and breathing activities from our Library programming on YouTube here:
Rachel’s Day in the Garden – YouTube
Join us weekly at the Library for Stories, Songs and Stretches during Fall and Spring sessions for more early literacy and body moving fun! Check our website, social media pages or at the Library for dates and times.
Kris Nickerson
Youth Services Assistant
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