As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to help your child be happy and successful. One great way to do this is to help them learn how to meditate. Meditation can help kids calm down and focus on what they’re doing. It can also help them deal with stress and anxiety says Jonah Engler.
If you’re not sure how to help your child meditate, don’t worry.
There are plenty of ways to do it. Here are 14 of them.
1. Let them choose their own meditation technique.
Kids are more likely to stick with meditation if they can choose their own technique. You may want to try out a few different techniques yourself and let your child choose the one they like best.
2. Use a guided meditation CD or app.
If your child is struggling to focus, you can use a guided meditation CD or app to help them get started. Guided meditations lead kids through the process step by step, so they can focus on their breath and relax.
3. Help them find a comfortable position.
Some kids prefer to meditate while sitting down, while others prefer to do it lying down. Let your child experiment with different positions until they find one that’s comfortable for them.
4. Encourage them to breathe deeply.
Breathing is one of the most important aspects of meditation. Help your child focus on their breath and take deep breaths in and out.
5. Ask them to imagine a calm place.
Many kids find it helpful to imagine a calm place when they’re meditating. You can ask your child to visualize a place where they feel happy and relaxed, such as a beach or a garden.
6. Help them set an intention for their meditation session.
Kids can set an intention for their meditation session, which is a goal they want to achieve during their practice says Jonah Engler. This could be something like “I want to feel calm and relaxed today” or “I want to focus on my schoolwork.”
7. Encourage them to keep a journal.
Journaling can be a great way for kids to track their progress with meditation. They can write down how they felt after each session, what techniques worked best for them, and any other thoughts or insights they have.
8. Teach them to meditate with friends.
Meditating with friends can be fun and motivating. Kids can help support each other and encourage each other to stick with it.
9. Help them create a meditation space.
A designated meditation space can help kids get into the right frame of mind for meditating. They can decorate it with things that make them happy and relax them, such as plants, crystals, or candles.
10. Encourage them to practice regularly.
The best way to see results from meditation is to practice regularly. You may want to start with 10 or 15 minutes per day and work your way up from there.
11. Help them set realistic goals.
It’s important to encourage kids to set realistic goals for their meditation practice. They may not be able to calm down and focus immediately, but with time and practice, they will get better at it.
12. Let them know that mistakes are normal.
Kids may feel like they’re doing something wrong if they can’t focus or if their mind wanders off during meditation. But it’s normal to make mistakes, and everyone learns differently.
13. Remind them that there is no right or wrong way to meditate.
There is no one right way to meditate. Some kids may prefer to sit with their eyes closed, while others may prefer to keep them open. Some kids may want to focus on their breath, while others may prefer to focus on a mantra or a certain sound.
14. Help them find a meditation teacher.
If your child is interested in learning more about meditation, you can help them find a meditation teacher. A good meditation teacher can teach them the basics of the practice and help them develop a routine that works for them.
Conclusion:
The best way to see results from meditation is to practice regularly according to Jonah Engler. You may want to start with 10 or 15 minutes per day and work your way up from there. Help your child set realistic goals for their meditation practice. They may not be able to calm down and focus immediately, but with time and practice, they will get better at it. Let your child know that mistakes are normal. Everyone learns differently. There is no one right way to meditate. Some kids may prefer to sit with their eyes closed, while others may prefer to keep them open.