The practice of meditation is not just for adults. Children, too, can reap the benefits of this ancient practice. Introducing kids to meditation techniques can equip them with tools to navigate stress and anxiety and foster a sense of inner calm.
✨Storybook is the ideal app to introduce you to children's meditation.
What are the benefits of meditation for children?
Meditation can significantly benefit children, improving their focus and emotional well-being and reducing stress and anxiety.
It can also enhance their self-awareness, foster empathy and patience, and boost their creativity and imagination.
What is the best age for kids to start meditation?
While there is no definitive 'right' age, children as young as three or four can start learning simple meditation techniques.
The key is introducing the practice in a fun, engaging way that resonates with their age and interests.
“Kids can benefit from meditation at any age. However, it’s important to adjust the form based on how old they are.”
💡Cleveland Clinic
Different types of meditation for kids
Here are some different kinds of meditations for your kids:
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation encourages children to focus on the present moment. This can involve focusing on their breath, the sounds around them, or the sensations in their body.
This practice can help children develop a sense of inner calm and awareness.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can be a simple and effective meditation technique for children. They can learn to focus on their breath and notice how they feel when inhaling and exhaling.
This can help them to calm down in stressful or overwhelming situations.
Loving-kindness meditation
Loving-kindness meditation helps children cultivate kindness and goodwill towards themselves and others.
They can learn to send positive thoughts and wishes, fostering empathy and compassion.
Guided meditation
Guided meditation involves listening to a recorded meditation or reading a book.
These can often involve imaginative journeys and stories that are engaging and calming for children. This meditation can be beneficial at bedtime to aid relaxation and sleep.
Remember, introducing meditation to kids is not to eliminate their thoughts or emotions but to give them tools to better manage their feelings and reactions.
It's about fostering a sense of peace and calm they can carry throughout their lives.
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Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
References
- The Benefits of Meditation for Kids. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/meditation-for-kids
