Why Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a special way of listening and being in the here and now. Practicing mindfulness has positive effects both on physical and mental wellness. Children starting the practice early on supports building their coping skill toolbox. 

---

Ideas for Mindfulness at Home

• Do an activity that requires using all 5 senses.
• Stop, Breathe & Think Kids app
• Calm Kids app
• YouTube Guided Meditations
• Cosmic Kids Yoga
• Check out Austin’s Little Yoga House Online Classes
• Listen to music such as Lianne Bassin’s album Everyone Grows
• Progressive Relaxations at bedtime
• Create a zone for peace in the house with cozy things to snuggle and relax 
• Read Peaceful Piggy Meditation and make Mind-in-a-Jar Experiment.
• Read The Listening Walk and take a listening walk as a family.
• Read I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness and follow it with a guided meditation.
• Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame app
• More apps to consider:
  • Headspace;
  • Insight Timer;
  • Bloom;
  • Simple Habit.

---

Additional Resources:

Child Mind Institute on Mindfulness 

New York Times on Mindfulness for Children

​Psychology Today article on the benefits of mindfulness for children's brains