Children can practice mindfulness, too; it’s not just for adults. In fact, by the age of four, kids are able to pick up techniques for improving their well-being, handling stress, and cultivating self-compassion. However, as a parent, you could feel a little overburdened or unsure of where to begin, particularly in the mornings. It’s okay that way. Mornings can be very difficult. But this article will show you what you need to know and give you some creative suggestions for kids’ mindful morning routines. Let’s start now!
Benefits for Children of a Mindful Morning Routine
Everyone, including children, can benefit from practicing mindfulness. Here are some tips to assist you to become more conscious and motivated to instruct kids in developing a thoughtful morning routine.
- sharper focus
- lowered tension
- participation in the classroom
- higher compassion
- lowered levels of anxiety, sadness, and yelling
- more academic progress
- increased capacity for resolving disputes
- more restraint
- increased self-esteem
- increased capacity to control one’s emotions
- enhances communication abilities
- enhances one’s outlook on life
8 Children’s Mindful Morning Routine Ideas
1. A sound slumber
Getting enough sleep is the first step in developing a thoughtful morning routine that works. Consider this. Children experience the same agitation, grumpiness, and lack of focus as adults do when they are weary. So, set a regular bedtime and stick to it so kids can get the 10 to 12 hours of sleep they require. Try a guided meditation before bed if they’re having trouble falling asleep.
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2. Prepare the previous evening.
If everything is planned and ordered the night before, it is simpler to remain mindful. If everything is quiet, you’re also less likely to encounter hurdles or have a tantrum. You may prepare lunches, find shoes, arrange their books and backpack, check the weather, and help them with their schoolwork, among other things. To teach agency and trust, you can also outsource their input into decision-making. For example, you could let them pick out their clothes the night before (if appropriate).
3. Schedule a connection time
Spend some time talking with your kids when they first wake up. Instead of hurrying from one stressor to the next, use this brief opportunity to strengthen your relationship with them and impart the value of time. For instance, hug them while instructing them to pay attention to your clothing’s texture, your perfume’s scent, or the warmth of the hug. Alternately, spend some time stretching and breathing deeply together. You will be able to make mindful contact during this time before the day officially starts.
4. Conscious work
The time they spend making the bed or brushing their teeth is a great time to practice mindfulness or play a game. Make the bed together, for instance, and engage in a game of emotions. Ask them how they are doing while you cover the bed with the blanket and check on them. “Right now, I feel joyful, upset, sad, or relaxed,” is a good way to practice expressing your feelings. After that, show them how to wash their teeth mindfully. Inquire about their toothpaste’s flavor, how the bristles feel against their teeth, etc. If you use your imagination, any task can be mindful and enjoyable.
5. Conscious eating
Take full use of the times when you can slow down, especially since mornings are sometimes rushed and stressful, especially if you have kids. One of those times is the morning meal. Teach them to enjoy their breakfast by using all of their senses as they eat. For instance, ask them to describe how the food smells, looks, and, if possible, feels in their hands. Of course, they should also describe how it tastes.
6. Thank you
You have the chance to demonstrate gratitude to your kids after dinner. You can make it into a fun game by taking turns listing your blessings. I’m thankful for my meal, my favorite shoes, etc., as examples. The mood-altering power of gratitude can brighten a gloomy morning and teach people the importance of appreciating their surroundings.
7. Check-in
Let’s face it, the mornings aren’t always calm. And more often than not, our kids will throw one or more temper tantrums. Use the chance to check in and have them practice their feeling language when this occurs. Use this time to play the heartbeat game when they have calmed down.
them to take a seat and place their hand over their heart
Tell them to close their eyes and concentrate just on feeling their heartbeat.
How does it seem to you? Can you make it out? ”
Children learn to focus and establish a mind-body connection through this activity. Additionally, it is beneficial for more complex mindful exercises like yoga, body scans, and deep breathing.
8. Keep tranquil.
If their surroundings are quiet, kids are more likely to connect to the present moment. However, parenthood is undoubtedly demanding and stressful, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you lose your temper. Remain in the present moment by taking a few deep breaths. You can use the phrase “I feel” when speaking to your kids to demonstrate emotional control and broaden their emotional language. Furthermore, if you’re feeling particularly anxious, get out your favorite essential oil and demonstrate to your kid how aromatherapy may make you feel more at ease. It all comes down to creatively batching and combining activities when teaching mindfulness to kids.
Even in the mornings, there are many ways to practice mindfulness to connect to the present and reduce stress. But keep in mind, don’t push it. Children’s interests will change as they mature and develop. Continue to adjust and customize your activities to suit their interests and ages. These mindful morning routine ideas for kids will grow on them with time and repetition, and some of them may even become habits.
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