6 Fun Activities for Mindful Kids

Practicing mindfulness powerfully improves quality of life for both adults and children. Kids who practice mindful activities reap benefits like:

• enhanced focus
• improved mental and physical health
• improved social skills
• reduced impact of bullying
• access to relaxation

Mindfulness is fun for kids when they're playing! Try out these 6 mindfulness activities for kids. (P.S. - explore even more mindful games, books and more in the Gift Ideas for Kids collection.)

1. Power Poses

Power poses aren't just for adults! Children naturally spring into action. Encourage the development of self-confidence in kids with a pose. Try the Superman pose - standing with feet a little wider than the hips, reach arms out above the head with fists clenched. Hold this pose while standing face to face with your child - and try not to burst out laughing!

2. Spidey Senses

Spiderman's Spidey senses tingle when an enemy is close by, so he feels prepared to take them on. Similarly, kids can turn on their "Spidey senses" to tune-in to their surroundings. Encourage your children to pause and notice what's going on around them. What do they smell? See? Hear? Taste? This fun activity helps brings a kid's awareness to the present.

3. Adventure Hike or Walk

Turn an everyday walk outside into a fun, mindfulness adventure! Bring your children on a hiking adventure, and instruct them to notice as many animals, birds, bugs, etc., as they can. Help them focus all of their senses on finding animals in the wild, especially very young children. Adults can get in on the fun, too, and tap into a state of awareness and grounding in the present.

4. Bell Ringing

Let your child ring a bell or a singing bowl and then ask them to listen closely to the sound. Tell them to be very silent and raise their hands when they no longer hear the sound of the bell. Then tell them to be silent for one minute and pay close attention to any other sounds they hear once the ringing has stopped. After, ask your child to tell you every sound they noticed during that minute. This activity gets kids excited to share their observations and helps them to connect to their present perceptions of the world around them.

5. Breathing Buddies

Ask your child to get their favorite stuffed animal toy for this activity. Instruct them to lay down on the floor and place their toy on their tummy. Tell them to breathe in silence for one minute and notice how their toy moves up and down. What other sensations do they notice? Tell them to imagine that the thoughts that come into their minds turn into bubbles and float away. Practicing meditation with a favorite toy makes a "boring" activity fun! Using a unique, artist-designed yoga mat adds to the experience.

6. Mindful Eating

Turn snack time into a mindful activity! A sweet like a piece of chocolate or something healthy like fruit is great for this exercise. Tell your child to take a bite of their snack. Ask them; What does it taste like? Is it sweet or salty? What does it feel like in your mouth? Can you crunch it with your teeth, or does it melt in your mouth? Now instruct your child to try taking a smaller (or larger) bite. Ask them; How does this change the way eating this food feels?

Further Reading

For even more activities for mindful, de-stressed kids, check out the following resources.

• Positive Psychology Program's Mindfulness Activities
• Mind Body Green's Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids Mindfulness
• Teach Starter's Classroom Mindfulness Activities

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