how to cultivate mindfulness in your child

We have all heard of the benefits of meditation and yoga, but did you know that by practicing yoga or doing yoga poses, a child can begin to develop mindfulness and awareness? This new found mindfulness can greatly reduce ADHD symptoms and allow children to be calmer and more responsive in many other ways as well. Children who practice yoga and meditation tend to focus better and pay attention.

Here are 5 fun ways to incorporate yoga and meditation into your child’s daily routine:

Engage your child in a playful way

Engage your child in a playful way. When you are engaging in any type of activity with your child, it can be considered a playful way to cultivate mindfulness. Children want to learn new things, and when you are encouraging this, you are providing opportunities for them to do so. They will be less distracted by the actions of others and pay more attention if you can find a way to engage their minds in constructive ways.

Teach them to “notice” things

Teach them to “notice” things. Yoga and meditation don’t require a lot of intellectual ability to understand. Children who are paying attention to what they are doing will naturally be paying attention to any changes and will also be more aware of their surroundings. Children who cultivate mindfulness will be able to notice when someone is talking or doing something around them, and will then try to take note of it. This type of mindfulness is helpful in reducing anxiety and ADHD symptoms.

Engage your child in thoughtful reflection

Engage your child in thoughtful reflection. Children who cultivate mindfulness are always looking to the future, are self-aware, and are always asking questions about how they fit into the world. Children with ADHD may have a hard time trying to fit in with their peers and can often become isolated. If you teach them to be mindful, however, it is possible for them to get along better with their classmates and friends and may even be able to make friends with them. A child who is mindful is constantly looking to expand his or her horizons and is always curious about what he or she is learning each day. Learning to cultivate mindfulness can help children who are hyperactive or inattentive to focus their minds on the present.

introducing them to yoga and meditation may be a good place to start

If you have an ADHD child that has exhibited some of the ADHD symptoms described above, introducing them to yoga and meditation may be a good place to start. These two playful ways to cultivate mindfulness can be made fun by using props such as bolsters, yoga blocks, and yoga straps. A licensed marriage and family therapist can also help to get your ADHD child involved in yoga or meditation by having them do group meditation or guided imagery. For instance, a licensed marriage and family therapist may refer you to a therapist that has techniques such as yoga and meditation, which may be beneficial for your child.

Children with ADHD symptoms also respond well to neurofeedback

Children with ADHD symptoms also respond well to neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is based on the theory that our brains automatically control how we feel. By training the brain to focus on certain activities or frequencies, neurofeedback helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. A licensed marriage and family therapist may be able to introduce you to this therapy. A good way to begin the therapy is by using a handheld EEG biofeedback device that records brain wave patterns as patients practice mindfulness meditation or other exercises.

connecting them to online games that are mind-relaxing

If you have a child who likes to play video games, connecting them to online games that are mind-relaxing may be helpful. Many websites provide downloadable software programs that help you to play mind-relaxing games online with your child. In fact, many doctors have been using mind-blowing games to help patients cope with anxiety and stress. A licensed therapist can recommend several options.

consider these fun and effective ways on how to cultivate mindfulness in your child

If you are trying to figure out how to cultivate mindfulness in your child, consider these fun and effective ways to do it. Mindfulness can be difficult for kids because they are always thinking about how they feel or what they are doing. However, when you create an atmosphere where your child is constantly aware of their surroundings, your child will be more likely to let go of negative behaviors and thoughts. Your child may even discover that they have greater energy. Consider all of these activities and tools available to help your child become more mindful.