Leaning into Mindfulness with Children…

Here is a practice activity for mindfulness with

children to use the next time your child has

some big feelings. Co-regulation of emotions is

so important for us as well as children.

Big feelings can cause big emotions even for adults and coregulating our

emotions can be helpful to our child and us.

In this activity, we will be calming and quieting ourselves so that we can

notice five things as we practice being mindful. Start with a moment of

deep breathing. Then ask your child (and yourself) to notice five things you

can see, hear, and feel. OK. Ready?

Parent: Let yourself be very comfortable. If you feel like it, close your eyes.

Now, take two deep breaths. (pause for a moment)

Parent: Notice five things you can see. (pause for a moment)

Parent: Notice five things you can hear. (pause for a moment)

Parent: Notice five body connections you can feel. (pause for a moment)

Parent: Now, take five deep breaths. (pause for a moment)

Parent: How do you feel? Do you notice yourself feeling more aware?

More calm?

Be sure to take a moment to also answer these questions for yourself and notice if

you are feeling more aware and calm afterwards.