Mindful Moments: 5 Activities to Share with Your Young Children

January 09, 2024

As we emerge from the bustling holiday season, full of joy but often overstimulated, it’s essential to reconnect with ourselves and our little ones through mindfulness. I’ve found that integrating mindfulness into everyday life with Nala and Kai not only nourishes our bond but also instills a sense of calm and presence in our family. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, I've experienced firsthand how transformative these practices can be, and I’m excited to share with you five simple yet powerful mindfulness activities that you can enjoy with your young children.

Breathing Buddies: Place a stuffed animal or small stone or crystal on your child’s belly and encourage them to watch it rise and fall as they breathe. This helps them learn diaphragmatic breathing, a key component of mindfulness. I love doing this with Nala and Kai, as the gentle motion naturally soothes and focuses them.

Nature Walks: Embark on a mindful nature walk. Encourage your child to notice the colors, sounds, and smells around them. In your Nalakai sling, even the youngest children can be part of this sensory experience, feeling the fresh air and observing the world from a safe, secure vantage point.

Mindful Eating: Share a mindful eating experience. Choose a snack and eat it slowly, savoring each bite and discussing the flavors and textures. This practice is wonderful for teaching children to appreciate food and eat consciously.

Yoga for Kids: Yoga is a fantastic way for children to connect with their bodies and minds. Simple poses like tree or cat-cow can be fun and accessible for young kids. I often include Nala and Kai in my yoga routine, they love Cosmic Kids yoga on youtube.

Gratitude Jar: Create a family gratitude jar. Each day, encourage your child to think of something they're grateful for and write it down to put in the jar. This practice cultivates an attitude of gratitude and helps children (and parents!) recognize the joy in everyday life.

Mindfulness is not just a practice but a way of living. It allows us as parents to pause, breathe, and appreciate the precious moments with our children. In the fast-paced world we live in, these practices offer a haven of peace and presence for both parents and children. Beginning to practice these habits early on sets the foundation for a more mindful, aware, and emotionally balanced future for our little ones.

With love and light,

Anne Ferris

Mindful Moments: 5 Activities to Share with Your Young Children

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