Probably the number one search query that leads people to my site is a variation on
“how do I teach mindfulness to kids?”
Which is
FANTASTIC
because our children need mindfulness.
We ask them to
pay attention!
and
calm down!
… and we don’t really teach them how to actually DO either of those things!
I’ve written several posts about how we can share mindfulness with our kids… and today I am compiling a list of my articles plus a bunch of other resources so you have all sorts of helpful information all in one place.
Enjoy — and have fun!
Posts from Left Brain Buddha
10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids
Helping Kids Feel All the Feelings — Inside and Out!
Teaching Mindfulness to Teens: 5 Ways to Get “Buy-in”
Baby Buddhas: 5 Strategies for Teaching Mindfulness to Kids
Mindful Parenting: Practicing Mindfulness with Your Children
Books
BeeYOUtiful: A Storybook and Mindfulness Activity Guide for Busy Little Bees by Kristi Kremers — gorgeous illustrations, and right now the Kindle version is FREE!
A Pebble for Your Pocket: Mindful Stories for Children and Grown-ups by Thich Nhat Hanh: lovely stories for kids, including “Who is the Buddha?” and “Present Moment Wonderful Moment”
Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents) by Eline Snel: I especially love the “weather report” practice, and it comes with a guided practice CD
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh: teaches four basic meditations, using pebbles to symbolize a flower, a mountain, water, and space
The Mindful Child by Susan Kaiser Greenland
Mindful Movements by Thich Nhat Hanh — great for some mindful exercises you can do with kids (includes a DVD)
Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: A Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home, at School, and Everywhere Else by Christopher Willard: great for parents of older kids!
Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children by Thich Nhat Hanh
Websites
Dan Siegel has excellent resources for teaching mindfulness (or mindsight) to kids, especially for teens. I really like his “Healthy Mind Platter” — you can find it here
7 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids Mindfulness from Mind Body Green
Check out the Resources page from Mindful Schools — they have an extensive list of children’s books about mindfulness
You’ll find excellent resources on MindfulKids, the blog from Plum Village
This article from the Guardian Teacher Network has a TON of helpful links
Mindful Teachers has lesson plans and helpful practices for teaching breathing, compassion, and emotional awareness
This four-page pdf from Act on Purpose has a brief introduction to mindfulness, plus activities for kids
Annaka Harris has several activities with included audio on her site
Mindful Families has a “menu” of mindful activities that families can practice together
And who doesn’t love games? Check out these 5 Mindful Games for Kids!
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Whew! Have fun!
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Do you have any resources to add? Share in the comments below!
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This post contains affiliate links — if you click on a product and place an order, I will earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
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