Let\u2019s face it, kids don\u2019t always have it easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, they don\u2019t have the responsibilities of paying bills, putting food on the table, having a roof over their heads… But they do face their own set of challenges\u2014peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, social influence, high expectations, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These challenges can lead to problems in adulthood, leaving many parents flabbergasted on how to help. Counselors, therapists, and specialized programs are definitely great options, but they can be costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is<\/em> another approach proven to be both impactful and affordable\u2014and that\u2019s mindfulness for kids. It empowers them to navigate emotions, build resilience, and find calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s never too late to learn<\/em>,\u201d as goes the saying. But the thing is, it\u2019s also never too early to learn either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mindfulness<\/a>, as you may know, is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It\u2019s no different for kids\u2014they\u2019re able to be in the moment and reflective of their internal and external surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a bit of a catch-all term, though. While many people associate it with meditation (which it can be), it can also include practices like deep breathing<\/a> exercises, gratitude practice, and mindful walking, just to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thing is, mindfulness<\/a> is something that\u2019s \u201cbeautiful and powerful and necessary<\/em>,\u201d according to Emily Fletcher<\/strong>, the founder of Ziva Meditation and trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s zivaKIDS<\/em> Quest. \u201cMindfulness is very good at creating a state change or handling your stress in the now<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s what research shows, too. For instance, a 2023 literature review examined 18 studies on mindfulness-based interventions for young children. It found that these practices are particularly effective for those who struggle with self-regulation<\/a> and can lead to significant improvements in their overall growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we should understand as parents is this: mindfulness isn\u2019t about teaching kids to never get stressed<\/strong>. As Emily explains in a YouTube video on Mindvalley Talks, \u201cIt\u2019s about letting them know that when and if they get stressed, they now have a toolkit they can draw from to bring them back into a state that feels good to them<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get more of her insights here:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is mindfulness for kids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n