Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s incredibly beneficial to teach children mindfulness! It’s something that I aim for personally as an adult and have always tried to instill in my daughters and my students.

This post is sponsored by Moms Meet and Zafooz, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment”.

Basically, when you’re mindful, you’re in touch with your movements, senses, thoughts, and feelings. Your mindfulness practice is meant as a way to check in with yourself and find a sense of calm. Many people attain a mindful state through meditation.

Why is Mindfulness Important?

I like teaching my kids to be mindful because it helps them learn to acknowledge different thoughts or emotions and better understand how their bodies work.

Does your child have tantrums or outbursts? Overactive tendencies? Difficulty focusing? Overwhelming shyness or anxiety? A lot of that may be due to temperament, but some of it can also be remedied by mindfulness and meditation.

When a child takes the time to learn about and understand themselves, they can better identify their needs. And a child who knows what they need can express themselves more articulately. So rather than having a meltdown, a child with the ability to be mindful realizes that they’re frustrated or disappointed and searches for a productive way to communicate that.

You also want your little one to be mindful because a child who can recognize a wide range of feelings will develop more empathy for other people’s perspectives and opinions. That can lead to better social skills and leadership abilities.

And more than anything, mindfulness gives children an opportunity to settle down. In this digital age full of screens and sensory overload, it’s important for kids to find moments of peace.

How Can I Teach Mindfulness to My Children?

When introducing mindfulness time and meditation to your child, it doesn’t need to be strict or serious. A zafooz cushion is a fun way to add a tangible, cozy element to your mindfulness practice!

Zafooz comes in six different plush animals, each with their own unique personality. We have the Lotus Ladybug, whose mantra is “I am loved”, and the Mindful Monkey, whose mantra is “I breathe in and I smile”.

To start your mindfulness practice, find a clutter-free area and have your little one get comfortable with their zafooz. Both of my girls choose their beds, but one likes to sit and snuggle while the other prefers laying down. A zafooz can also be used as a seat.

Since kids are restless by nature, start with just a few minutes of mindfulness and then build up as they get accustomed to it. You want to use a gentle voice to give easy directions and ask guiding questions. If you aren’t sure what to say, the zafooz website has several great resources for you, including An Easy Zafooz Practice.

I try to do this daily with my children, but there are benefits from even a couple of days a week. Our zafooz have been such a helpful tool for getting my girls to settle down and reflect on their feelings!

From now until July 22, 2019, you can save 15% on your zafooz purchase! Just use the code breatheBhappy at zafooz.com/shop.

Do you practice mindfulness with your kids? Tell me about it in the comments!

To work on being more mindful as a parent, see my tricks for staying calm during toddler tantrums! And if you like doing fun activities with your kiddos, try cotton ball painting!

Talk to you soon!