How mindfulness benefits kids

When we think of children, of any age, we consider them a picture of resilience and filled with a natural exuberance. However, they can also feel moments of anxiety and stress, which can stretch over days and weeks, seeping into adulthood.

Teaching children the practice of mindfulness can help them manage their emotions and find a stillness during moments of chaos. It will give them pause to effectively meet challenges and build confidence as well as self-esteem.

Life is full of uncomfortable moments and the sooner we teach children to draw into their inner reserves of calm, the better equipped they will be for the future. Various studies, too, have shown that mindfulness can benefit children by increasing focus, learning to resolve conflicts and keep depression at bay, besides improving academic performance. Here are some key benefits:

Dealing with uncomfortable emotions

Mindfulness is about being aware in the present moment. Thus, it is not about denying any discomfort that may crop up in any situation. Facing up to an uncomfortable truth and learning to accept and move on is a valuable skill to cultivate in the early years. For instance, if a child is ignored by a friend, one can help them give voice to those feelings, accept that one doesn’t have control over another’s action and if the goal is to make better friendships, then move on to achieving it, sans judgement.

Teach kids to appreciate the positives

If children have had a stressful day or a week of non-stop competitions or exams which may not go as well as expected, it’s a good idea to remind them of things that are going right. Ask them, as a matter of routine, to make a note of something that has gone well in a particular day. It could be a teacher who complimented them, getting their favourite breakfast, getting to share a seat with their best-friend on the school bus, a surprise visit to the park, etc. Over time, focusing on the positive can easily become a habit that keeps them going in tough times, even during adulthood.

Aiding concentration

Mindfulness and meditation can train children, as well as adults, to focus on the task at hand. Simply focusing on the breath for a few minutes daily can cut through the mind’s clutter and train us to gauge things in greater depth. In the case of young adults, mindfulness can improve concentration, help them be less distracted and improve memory, which can prove extremely useful during exams or even sports.

Improve interpersonal relationships

As one practises mindfulness, it leads to greater clarity and self-awareness. As we feel more at ease with ourselves, it reflects in our behaviour and makes us more attractive to others. We also view others with a clearer lens, without being clouded by judgement. We also tend to react less when things get heated up. For children, learning to build this inner resilience and a non-judgmental attitude can help them make friends and keep them, as they increasingly develop more empathy and compassion for those around them.

According to research, mindfulness has a positive impact on a child’s cognitive skills, particularly the executive functions performed by the brain, which includes paying attention, organising information and planning.

Parents and teachers can start the conversation by taking a few minutes during a quiet part of the day to engage in some mindful breathing. During this, children can also focus on different parts of their body and the sensations they feel. As they bring back their wandering attention back to observing the breath, it will also increase their ability to concentrate. As they observe their thoughts come and go, an adult can explain to them later that just like thoughts, no emotion is permanent, especially feelings of stress and disappointment. 

Learning to be self-aware and kind, right from childhood, is an invaluable tool. And mentors can start inculcating this in the young adults in their care today!