AD| Mindfulness is great because it encourages us to focus more closely on the present moment, as and when certain things are happening, rather than letting the special little things that happen to us each day flash by without a second thought. It helps us realise how fortunate we are and can even allow us to enjoy life on a greater level. So, if you’re wondering how you can explore mindfulness with your child, here are some tips from an international school in North London.

Practise Every Day

Believe it or not, you can encourage your child to practise mindfulness with pretty much everything they do. For instance, if they’re eating a snack, you can ask them to talk about the flavour and texture, rather than just ignoring the experience. When they hug a loved one, ask them how the hug made them feel. The trick is to pay attention to the wonderful things that happen all the time, as not everyone is lucky enough to eat a tasty snack randomly during the day, or spend time with friends or family. 

Recognise Emotions

If your child seems to be anxious about something, ask them how they’re feeling, both physically and mentally. One aspect of mindfulness is the ability to recognise how certain things make us feel so that we can manage these reactions more effectively going forward. This applies to any type of emotion, from frustration to joy, or sadness to excitement. 

Pay Attention to the World Around You

Next time you’re out for a walk, ask your child to think about what they can see, hear, feel, smell, or even taste. If your child pays attention to the cool breeze on their skin or the sound of the leaves crunching beneath their feet, they will be more grounded, and less likely to spend that time worrying about things that are out of their control.