Mindfulness isn’t something people often think very young kids are capable of since they’re so energetic and active, but actually, little kids are naturally mindful – that’s why it takes so long to get anywhere with them, because they get so absorbed in the moment that they’ll inspect every blade of grass and intricate detail along the way!

Starting early in a child’s development, mindfulness can be a useful tool for decreasing anxiety and promoting peace and happiness.

Mindfulness also helps kids develop focus and self-control. It also helps build skills like patience, empathy, and emotional regulation (meaning, they get better at handling tantrums and big feelings), which are particularly helpful for young kids!

Here are 3 ways you can encourage mindfulness in toddlers and preschoolers…

1. Mindful Movement: Ask your little one to move different body parts or hold a position for as long as they can while breathing in and out. Make it playful and fun by joining along!
2. Body Scan: Have your child think about how they feel – from head to toe! Focus on each specific body part and talk about any sensations that come up like tense, cold, tingly, ouchy or relaxed. Sit or lay down with your little person and do this one together, taking turns talking out loud about what comes up.
3. Tactile Play: Include items like clay, kinetic sand, slime or water. Talk about the textures, temperature and other sensations that come up when playing with different materials. Use these moments to get your own hands messy and have some fun with textures you may not usually get to play with!

Using simple ways to encourage mindfulness can be so beneficial, not only for the practice of slowing down but also because it is an opportunity to build connection with your child. And those moments of connectedness are the foundation for your child in building trust, self-esteem, and healthy relationships throughout their life.