Something we are focusing on in our homeschool (well, our home in general) is increasing our mindfulness. Today, I am going to share with you a few of my favorite go-to, basically prep-free, mindfulness activities for kids!

Why is mindfulness important for children?

But first, what is mindfulness, and why is it important for children? Mindfulness is simply focusing on one thing and giving it our full attention. It also means slowing down, being aware of what we are actually doing, taking our time, and being in a relaxed state.

Mindfulness helps children to be calm and aware, focusing on the present moment. This is a wonderful skill for counteracting anxiety or worry. Mindfulness also allows children to recognize the power they have over controlling their thoughts, which leads to increased self-awareness and self-esteem. 

In fact, this is a big component of my new resource, Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids! Children learn about eight core character traits through sweet stories, discussions, activities, drawings, and affirmations. Intentionally learning about and reflecting on these traits is a wonderful way to promote a growth mindset in our children.

By the end of the workbook, your child will be able to say:

• I am gracious; I have good manners.
• I am honest; I tell the truth.
• I am responsible; I do what I am supposed to do.
• I am compassionate; I help others.
• I am courageous; I can do hard things.
• I am hopeful; I believe good things will happen.
• I am kind; I treat others with love.
• I am grateful; I show appreciation.

You can take a peek at Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids and browse a sample of the resource right here: https://shop.howweelearn.com/pages/raisingkindcaringgoodkids

Mindfulness Activities for Kids

Just before we get into the mindfulness activities, I wanted to make sure you caught the Mindful Breathing Exercises that I shared earlier this week! In case you missed it, you can grab the Free Mindful Breathing Printable below, which helps your little one remember the steps as they move the goldfish with the pattern of their breathing:

Alright, are you ready for a few of my favorite mindfulness activities for kids? 

Mindfulness Activity #1: What’s Missing?

This is a fun game that has been around for a long time! I remember playing it at a birthday party when I was young. To prep, grab a bunch of toys, kitchen utensils, bathroom supplies—you name it. For younger children, choose 3 to 5 items; for older children, you could choose 20 or even more!

How to Play:

• Lay some items on a table and have your child focus their attention on the items for 1-3 minutes. This is wonderful for building mindfulness! Very young children might only need a few seconds of focused attention.
• Next, have your child close their eyes while you remove one of the items.
• Have your child open their eyes and try to figure out which item is missing.

Mindfulness Activity #2: Focused Breathing

This is another fun mindfulness activity that is great for all ages. All you need is some pompoms or cotton balls and a straw. You can also add in some little items to create an obstacle course on the ground. Painter’s tape works well to create a maze, or you can add some blocks or little people.

How to Play

• Have your child place a cotton ball on the ground and use a straw to blow that cotton ball!
• Young children can simply try to use focused breathing to blow a cotton ball off a table.
• Older children can use focused breathing to blow hard or soft, directing their cotton ball through an obstacle course.

Mindfulness Activity #3: What’s that Sound?

For this mindfulness activity, grab a few household items that make sounds. You can use shakers and musical instruments, or you can grab regular household items like spoons, cheese graders, or toys.

How to Play

• Lay the items out on a table and have your child focus their attention on the items for 1 -2 minutes.
• Have your child close their eyes while you make a noise with one or two of the items.
• Your child will use focused listening to try to recall the items and envision what might be making that noise. Can they guess the item?

 

There you have it! Three fun and simple ways to enjoy mindfulness activities with your children.

Give your little one the tools to become the very best version of themselves. Get Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids right here:

https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/raising-kind-caring-good-kids

I hope this post is helpful to you, sweet friend. Thank you so much for reading!

xo
Sarah