Meditation for Kids: How to Clear Your Head and Calm Your Mind
What’s inside...
Introduce the benefits of meditation to kids ages 7-10 with this practical and playful guide. Start your kids off on a path to self-awareness through meditation! Written in easy-to-understand language, Meditation for Kids empowers kids to start learning about and practicing meditation as a way to stay calm, focused, and confident so they can work through daily stresses and manage tough emotions. This extensive guide features options for both seated and walking meditation practices with over a dozen illustrated, step-by-step exercises like the tightrope walker and the flamingo. A short history of meditation, fun checklists, and a troubleshooting guide for frequently asked questions--including 'What happens if you fall asleep?' and 'Can I meditate with my pet?'--help lay the groundwork for a daily practice of stillness and inner reflection. The book even provides playful opportunities for kids to 'teach' their parents the exercises so the whole family can participate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
94 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the book make you feel when you learned different ways to calm your mind?
Which meditation technique would you like to try together first?
What do you think happens to our thoughts when we meditate?
Can you describe a place where you feel the most relaxed and peaceful?
Why do you think it's important to clear our heads sometimes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation in a quiet, comfortable space to mimic the serene environment suggested in the book.
Show genuine interest by using active listening and expressing curiosity about their insights.
Share your own feelings and thoughts about meditation and mindfulness to deepen the bond and discussion.
Encourage your child to express themselves both verbally and through drawings or other expressive means they prefer as they reflect on the meditation techniques.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to plan regular mindfulness practices together, reinforcing the idea of meditation as a shared family experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: Through guided meditation exercises, children learn to focus on their breathing and observe their thoughts without judgment.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children manage stress and anxiety, improving their emotional regulation in daily situations such as school or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore their feelings and thoughts through specific introspective meditations.
Real-World Application: By understanding their emotions, children can articulate their needs better and develop healthier relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Meditation practices often involve sitting still and quietly for periods, teaching kids the value of patience.
Real-World Application: This can translate to better focus and persistence with tasks at school or at home, leading to improved academic and personal accomplishments.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Some meditations focus on sending positive thoughts to others, which can foster a sense of empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings of others, promoting more empathetic interactions and fostering a more inclusive environment in their communities.