Put simply, mindfulness is about living in the present moment. It’s about focusing on your body, your breath, your mental state...it's about being where your boots are. And while it’s similar to meditation, it doesn’t necessarily involve a specific practice – it's something you can do anywhere - at any time. The best part? It can be practiced in any way that fits your family best. It’s also great for your little one and can be a wonderful activity for you both to connect, de-stress and center yourselves. After all, we know that little people get some big emotions, and mindfulness is a wonderful tool to help them understand and regulate these emotions effectively. Here are some little suggestions to try...

Tense and relax

Starting with your feet, gently tense your muscles for five seconds and then slowly release them. Next, work your way up your body, tensing and relaxing your calves, then your thighs and so on.

Five senses

Depending on how old your little one is, you can tailor this as you see fit. Firstly, observe your surroundings and try and identify 5 things you can see. Next, try and identify 4 things you can touch. This is a great activity for observing your surroundings, and focusing on the present moment. Next, try and find 3 things you can hear – this could be a car outside, the rain on the window, the dishwasher...really anything that you notice. There’s no wrong answer. Next, try and find 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

Mindful breathing

Encourage your little one to put their hand on their tummy, noticing how it moves in and out as they breathe.

Cloud watching

If the weather is warm in your part of the world, head to your local park for a little picnic. Next, lay on your back, looking up at the sky, and encourage your little one to point out their favorite clouds. If they can identify any shapes – even better.

Listen to your heart

Have your little one place their hand on their chest and try to count their heartbeats. This can be a great way to calm your child if they’re agitated or upset.

Art

Grab out some art supplies and do some doodling with your little one. Encourage them to use shapes or colours to express how they’re feeling. We also have some gorgeous LittleOak colouring pages you might like to use.

We hope you enjoy these activities as much as we do.

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