The Benefits of Teaching Mindfulness to Children
Have you ever driven home from work, only to arrive home and you don’t remember the drive? Have you ever had a phone conversation with a loved one, only to hang up and not remember what was discussed? Have you ever gone for a run, only to get home and forget the route you took? We frequently run on autopilot and lack being in the present moment. We think about the past, worrying about how a meeting went at work, worrying about how our conversation went with a new friend, etc. We think about the future, how to present an idea to your boss, plans for the holidays, what to make for dinner, etc. Yet, how frequently do we live in and enjoy the present moment?
If adults can go through the day living on autopilot, children can as well. Children can focus more on the present then adults; however, they do live in a world of being told what to do frequently. The lack of control and/or independence can lead children to go on autopilot mode and just go through the motions of their daily tasks. How can we teach children to be more present? Mindfulness!
What is mindfulness? It is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003). It requires being in the present by paying attention to what is going on within the environment around you. Such as the smells, sights, the sounds. And it also involves paying attention to one’s internal state. Such as physical sensations, thoughts, and feelings. Therefore, the goal of mindfulness is to become more relaxed and be more aware of and accepting of the current state the mind and body are in, in the present moment.
Why teach mindfulness? Studies show that mindfulness can have a positive effect on mental health and the body’s physical state. It has been used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, eating disorders, etc. The article Teaching Mindfulness to Children by Karen E. Hooker, Psy.D and Iris E. Fodor, Ph.D (http://drjosephmallet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mindfullness_and_Children.pdf) discusses in detail the positive effects of practicing mindfulness. Some include a change in cognition (i.e. change in thought patterns, etc.), an increase in self-management skills, being more relaxed, and self-acceptance. It is believed that teaching children to practice mindfulness can lead to these benefits. So you ask….how do I teach my child to practice mindfulness….well…
Stay tuned for part 2….How do I teach mindfulness to my child?
By: Steffany Hoffman, M.A., BCBA
