Teaching Mindfulness to Children

Let’s Begin with Toddlers

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash

I often mention the importance of teaching mindfulness to children. 🌬Mitch, in his usual kind and helpful way, suggested an article on how one would go about that. So, let’s begin.

It is important that we recognize this article offers a secular viewpoint, and I am not trying to push a religious practice on anyone, especially children. I refer to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness in this article.

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” says Kabat-Zinn. “And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”

Jon Kabat-Zinn: Defining Mindfulness - Mindful

One of the greatest benefits of mindfulness, IMHO, is that it helps us to find a “pause”, so that we can respond rather than react when we are triggered by strong emotions. Maybe the parents out there are recognizing that this would be a useful skill when those toddler meltdowns occur. Both the parents and the toddlers could benefit by finding that “pause”, hopefully lowering the stress level of…