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My kid doesn’t sit still. My kid is annoying. My kid never listens. My kid acts up. My kid doesn’t get along with others. My kid…..the list goes on and on. 

Let’s fix this conversation. Kid’s hear and take on every bit of that energy you put on them. Even if it is unintentional. 

So how can we teach our children mindfulness to heal these negatives?

We must practice what we preach. 

Mindfulness is not just for adults, women or yogis. It is for everyone. It is the act of making a conscious decision to be still, silent, reflective and intentional.

Practicing mindfulness means taking in the moment. This can be incredibly helpful when our child (no matter their age) is having a meltdown. 

Imagine your 3 year old. They just broke their new toy. Complete. Distaster. They are crying, hysterical, miserable. The whole shabang.  So how can we take our toddler from 0 to 60 and back to 0? 

Step 1: Take a deep breath yourself and remember that your little one is a human. With human feelings. They need to learn from you how to find a sense of calm and collection. They can’t do that if you lose your shit because they lost their shit. Right? So put your phone in your pocket and focus all of your attention into this moment.

Step 2: You need to get on their eye level. So take a seat, or kneel next to your little babe.

 Step 3: Let’s start with pressure. Typically many bodies benefit from having pressure laid on them. No, I am not saying sit on your child. However, you can place a hand on their shoulder, back or heart. Just a level, calm hand. Enough pressure to make them feel it without having to force it. 

Step 4: Find their eyes and lock in with them. This is where you ask your child to take a breath with you. 

Step 5:  Ask your child if they want a hug before you talk about the situation. 

Step 6: Take another deep breath if you need it and ask your babe to do it with you. 

Step 7: Have your discussion. Be positive and understanding. Let your child talk without interrupting their version of their experience. Offer simple ways to remedy the situation if you can or ways you can work through this together. 

Step 8: Show some more love. Thank your child for sharing with you and for being present. Yes. You can say this to your toddler. Take another breath together and move on. 

These steps work for all ages, all stages and 99% of all situations. Other ways you can teach your child mindfulness is to give them time without all of the electronic stimulation. Get your hands in the dirt with them. Go outside and take a walk. Teach your child to take notice of the small things. The sound the leaves make in the wind, the touch of rain on the skin, the sounds of each bird. Teaching them to take these moments in helps to shift their brain into a conscious state of presence. You can teach them at a young age. Don’t discredit a child. They understand far more than we have been led to believe. They feel the energy we have when we are sad, angry, happy or anxious. 

Some other great ways to teach your child mindfulness is through breath work, art, gardening, meditation (guided is awesome for kids) and yoga. One of my favorite apps for guided meditation that offers free access and has both adult and child appropriate material is the Insight Timer app. You can learn more about Insight Timer here. 

I encourage you to start this practice young. Many children and adults can benefit from just a few simple mindfulness techniques. These little shifts in consciousness improve all facets of life. 

Be still my friends. 

`Keeper of the Spirit