How can you help children meditate without them losing interest?
Children, you tell them something to do, pretty much guaranteed, they will do the opposite. And even if they do as you ask, it’s only a matter of seconds, they will move on to the next stuff. Honestly, this is okay. actually, you want this; this is what really means to be children. But meditation is a gift that you want them to learn. It is more important than giving them a holiday ticket to Paris, a Mustang, or anything like that. Meditation will stay and guide them entire their life. So what to do? Below are a few things that are proven to help:
- Don’t tell them the moon is shining; show them the glint of light on broken glass: Don’t tell them to do meditation. Do it WITH them. It takes 10 minutes. Start there. Do it with them.
- Kids are outward-focused, so make a small ritual out of it: Fix a place in the house. Fix a time. burn some candles or light some incense sticks, and get some plants or meditation pillows. And do it together.
- Keep it short: Children have shorter attention spans than adults, so it’s best to keep meditation sessions short and simple. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable with the practice.
- Start with Stories: Maybe engage them first with the stories. Give them 5 to 7 minutes of stories, with meditation music in the background, and then do meditation with them for 10 minutes. Stories transport the soul, they have the power of narration. Do that and then start the meditation.
- Use props: Children may be more engaged in meditation if they have a special object or prop to focus on. For example, you could have them hold a small stuffed animal or a special rock while they meditate. If they are older (12 years or older), they can focus on the flame of the candle. Breathe in, hold, breathe out. Keep the candle at chest height at about 3 feet of distance.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. Try to establish a regular meditation routine with your child, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. This will help them develop the habit and see the benefits of meditation over time
I wish you all the very best in giving your children the best gift of their life.
Is Meditation or Mindfulness Practise Suitable for Teens?
Meditation is when you sit quietly, in the stillness, and disconnect from the ever-changing craziness of the world. And when you come back you are more centered, have clarity of thoughts, able to see thru what is important to focus your energies on and what is not. It is a practice that is around for thousands of years. However, many people wonder if meditation is suitable for teenagers. The answer is yes; a big Yes. It is not only suitable but also needed for today’s teens. Meditation brings along a plethora of benefits.
Never before in history Parents and teenagers have been so disconnected. Call it technology, busy schedules, overburden on individuality, choice overload, or a cut-throat capitalistic environment, Meditation is that silver bullet that connects teenagers with their deeper Selves and not futile comparisons to tik-tok models or peer groups.
The teenage years are a time of immense change and growth, both physically and mentally. If instilled, the habit of meditation at this age, it will help them entire their lives. Teenagers often face a lot of pressure, whether it is from academic expectations, social pressure, or simply figuring out who they are as individuals. Meditation can help teenagers cope with these pressures and navigate the challenges that come with this phase of life. Research has shown that meditation can improve attention, focus, and concentration, which are essential skills for academic success. Additionally, it can help teenagers manage stress and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on their mental health. Meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall well-being.
Meditation can also improve emotional regulation, which is particularly important during the teenage years when emotions can be intense and unpredictable. By practicing meditation, teenagers can learn to identify and manage their emotions in a healthy way, reducing the risk of impulsive behaviors or other negative outcomes.
If you are above 12 start meditating; and parents, teachers, and caregivers should encourage teenagers to give it a try. Esp for parents, do it with them. 10 minutes a day and you will see you are connecting with your child on a much deeper level. By helping to incorporate meditation into their daily routine, parents and teachers will lay the foundation for a healthier, more balanced life