Back to school means activities ramp back up and schedules get crazy—it can be hard to find even a moment of quiet. Carving out quick mindfulness breaks becomes challenging, but even more important for children (and for you).
In case you need reminding, or perhaps convincing, of the incredible benefits of simple mindfulness with kids, I came across this great article in Psychology Today:
“Because mindfulness can promote skills that are controlled in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, like the ability to focus and concentrate, it is especially useful for children.
Here are seven evidence-based ways that practicing mindfulness can help children:
It gives kids the habit of focusing on the present moment and ignoring distractions.
It teaches them to stay calm in the face of life’s stressful times.
It creates good habits for the future.
It promotes happiness by lowering social anxiety and stress.
It promotes patience.
It can improve executive functions in their brains like cognitive control, working memory, cognitive flexibility and better grades.
It can improve attentiveness and impulse control."
-Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D., Psychology Today
I’ll be visiting lots of schools this fall. And whether I’m performing Rockin’ Yoga assemblies, doing teacher PD, or speaking to parents, simple, kid-friendly mindfulness techniques will always be on the agenda!