Mindfulness for Kids

Mindfulness is so much more than a trend or buzzword. It is a way to live your life, 
where you focus on the present, give your full attention to whatever you are doing, and 
really start to slow down and appreciate each moment in your life. It is not just for 
adults. Kids can really benefit by incorporating more mindfulness into their life. It is an 
excellent practice to start at a young age.


Is Mindfulness Different for Kids?

Mindfulness doesn’t change in its definition for kids as compared to adults, but the 
benefits and teaching of it might be slightly different. For kids, they are just learning how 
what they focus on and think about is going to change their perspective. Even at a 
young age, kids can develop the skills to focus on the present, and not worry so much 
about either what has already happened, or what still hasn’t happened yet. 


Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness

Why should kids practice mindfulness? Here are some of the top benefits.

They will improve their focus and concentration. Mindfulness is the act of focusing 
on the present, so the more your kids can do this in their journal, the easier it becomes 
to do naturally without even thinking about it.

It teaches them to remain calm in stressful situations. Through mindfulness, your 
children will develop skills to remain calm, because they know it is just in this moment, 
and it will pass.

It lowers anxiety in kids and teens. Anxiety in general is often improved among 
anyone who practices mindfulness, including your kids and teens.

They often have more patience in times of anger. When your kids get angry, 
mindfulness can help them calm down and have more patience.

Mindfulness helps with gratitude. A big part of being mindful is showing gratitude and 
appreciation for the blessings of the current moment.


Tips to Help Your Kids Be More Mindful

You can also help your kids to become more mindful with very simple practices. This of 
course includes journaling, but other activities as well. In addition to journaling, you 
might try:

Sitting together to draw a picture of how you feel in this moment.
Showing your kids how to eat without distractions and focus on their meal.
Tell your kids to write about the last thing they were thinking about, anything that was on 
their mind. 

These are simple ways to learn how to be more mindful.

