Meditation is highly beneficial, improving body function and fostering natural kindness. Starting meditation from a young age helps children reap the benefits throughout their adolescence. Below are fifteen ways meditating betters your child and tips for creating a practice with your kiddo.
Although we often think of children as rambunctious, kids are incredibly capable of honing the principles and exercises of meditation. Starting a regular practice when they're little gives children grounding tools to navigate the challenges of growing up.
Some of the numerous benefits of meditation include:
Academic performance: Studies show that through meditation, children excel in math and literacy by helping them focus and deal with stress.
Emotional intelligence: Children learn to recognize and process their emotions, connecting with themselves through childhood's sometimes emotionally confusing stages.
Effective communication: As your child learns to understand their emotions, they’ll communicate more openly with their parents, teachers and peers.
Improved sleep: Meditation increases the body’s natural melatonin levels. As you look into how to sleep train a baby or help your child sleep better at night, consider meditation for a restful night’s sleep.
Greater focus: Regular practice helps kids minimize distractions, a tool they can implement outside of meditation.
Reduced stress: Meditation decreases cortisol levels, a stress hormone, in the body. The practice helps kids cope with fear and anxiety, as well.
More robust natural defenses: Studies show that meditation strengthens the body’s immune system, protecting your children from viruses and infections. Paired with immunity support for babies, your kids will be more resistant to sickness.
Increased empathy: Meditation engages the parts of the brain associated with compassion, increasing your kid's natural kindness.
Self-awareness: Growing up can be challenging, but knowing how to get in touch with their emotions and thoughts helps your child navigate adolescence.
Creativity: Studies find that meditation activates the brain's creativity centers, helping your kid connect with their imagination.
Increased productivity: As children improve their focus and learn to minimize distractions, they also become highly productive.
Reduced memory loss: Your child will be able to store information better, further helping their academic success.
Cope with pain: Research shows that meditation reduces pain sensations, helping kids cope with painful situations.
Improved decision-making skills: With greater focus and emotional intelligence comes a better ability to make decisions.
Cardiovascular health: Studies show that meditation improves heart function and reduces the risk of heart disease.
As you start meditating with your kid, let them take the lead. Check in with your child regularly to see how they feel. Comfort is also crucial. Let your kiddo meditate in whatever position makes them the happiest.
Begin with breathwork. Inhale for four counts, hold for four and exhale for six. Start small, with only 30 seconds of meditation, and build your child up to a more extended session. Once your kid can practice mindful breathing, add in other meditative exercises. Storytelling is helpful before bed, and body scanning relaxes your child’s muscles from head to toe.
Getting your child into meditation gives them tools to use throughout their life. With numerous benefits from a boosted immune system to self-awareness, incorporate meditation into your kid’s routine to improve physical and emotional health.
..