Does your child also have an on button, but a pause button you can never find? And do you wish your child would enjoy meditation as much as playing games on their tablet? Those little whirlwinds of energy deserve to sit still every now and then. It's not just adults who benefit from a moment of relaxation; it's perfect for kids too. And no, you don't have to leave your child sitting in a lotus position on the yoga mat for ages; it can be playful, short, and fun with Meddy Bear! Here are some tips to get your little one started!
Emotional benefits of children's meditation
" But back then, we didn't need this at all... We just played outside and were truly children." That's true, but the world has changed rapidly, and children are now growing up in a very different environment. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can increase a sense of calm and self-acceptance, even for children. By introducing meditation and mindfulness from an early age, children learn to nurture the development of their minds, but also make it more accessible later in life.
From what age can children start meditating?
Meditation is suitable for all ages. While it may seem daunting to meditate with a child, it offers many benefits even at a young age. Research shows that children reach a fully developed consciousness by the age of 4-5. Despite this, children can certainly begin meditating earlier. From the age of 3-4, children can truly focus on a story.
How to help your children with meditation
As adults, we often seek out a quiet place to meditate, away from the busy kids. But did you know that being around children can actually spark their curiosity? Start by explaining what you're doing and why. For children, it's often helpful to start with a guided meditation, following a story. Consider Meddy Bear, a meditation bear that uses guided meditation to help your child calm down. Even a short exercise of 1 to 5 minutes can make a difference!
Tips for meditation with your child
- Provide a time when your child can truly relax. This could be right after waking up in the morning or just before bed.
- Choose a quiet spot in the house without too many stimuli.
- Talk to your child about the things they're grateful for that day. This will immediately spark the positive thoughts you need for meditation. You can also use our happiness card set for this, where you can draw a card.
- Make sure your child is warm, a blanket can help with this.
- Make it cozy, so they feel safe in this environment. You could also choose a pleasant scent, for example!
- Meditation doesn't have to be in the lotus position. A straight spine is essential for the flow of energy. For example, place your feet flat on the floor so they are firmly in contact with the earth.
- Meditation doesn't necessarily have to be with your eyes closed, especially for children if they find this intimidating. Tell them you can also look at a spot on the floor.
- Simply sitting still and meditating is often difficult for a child. Therefore, use guided meditations with Meddy, also perfect for children with ADHD.
- Drink some water after meditation.
Listen to Meddy now
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0689/5239/1965/files/sneakpeek-meddybear_7bf6e825-82db-47a3-ab95-1cd2fa180e6b.mp3?v=1724669482