Making time for mindfulness

Mindfulness has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and although I was a little sceptical at first that it was a passing fad, over recent years, I've done my homework on mindfulness and have seen first-hand its benefits.

More than just a 'buzz word', mindfulness is in fact, a centuries-old practice and one which is now a scientifically-supported practice that involves bringing one's attention to the present moment, without judgment. It involves paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in a non-judgmental way, and can be practiced through activities such as meditation, yoga, and other forms of intentional, present-moment awareness.

There are so many reasons by why mindfulness can be particularly important for children.

1) Mindfulness can help children to regulate their emotions, which is an important skill for managing stress and handling difficult situations.

2) Mindfulness can improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for children in their learning.

3) Mindfulness can also help children to develop a sense of self-awareness and self-regulation, as they learn to pay attention to their own thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful for children who may struggle with impulsivity or who may have trouble controlling their emotions.

4) Mindfulness can help children to cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding for others, as they learn to pay attention to their own and others' feelings and needs. This can be beneficial for building healthy relationships and promoting social and emotional development.

Post Covid, more and more students are being diagnosed with anxiety and other emotional difficulties. Mindfulness has a really important role in supporting our children in becoming emotionally resilient and self-aware. Our children now face new pressures and challenges that we simply never experienced at their age. We need to equip them with the tools they need to be happy, balanced and successful on their own terms. Academic success, testing and grades aren't the full picture. I honestly believe that we need to meet the needs of the whole child.

I'm hopeful that one day it'll be taught in schools and other educational settings just like the ABC's or times tables!

As caregivers, we can't always make life plain-sailing for our children but we can try to equip them with the tools they might need to rise to new challenges.