How to raise a more mindful child

Having a child is one of life’s greatest gifts. There is nothing quite like being handed your newborn, looking down at their sweet little face, and realizing that their entire life is in your hands at that moment. Raising a child is a massive responsibility; their mental, spiritual, emotional wellbeing lies with you – not just their physical wellbeing. Every parent wants to raise a child that they can be proud of, so if you’re wondering how to raise a more mindful child then you’ve come to the right place.

Here are seven ways for you to bring up a more well-adjusted and mindful child:

1. Connect with nature

Spend more time outdoors with your child. Doing so will encourage them to feel like they play a vital role in taking care of the earth.

By living a life that promotes a healthy relationship with the natural world around them, your child will grow up respecting the environment and everything in it. You are teaching your child to be grateful for the natural world around them.

2. Teach them to share

Children need to learn to share so that they can build and maintain healthy relationships with the people around them. By practicing simple acts with them, such as taking turns when playing, you can teach them necessary life skills while protecting them.

Children need to learn to cope with disappointment and the fine art of compromise. A mindful child is raised in a home that practices fairness, so make sure that your home is fair.

3. Meditate with them

Meditation can help your child recognize and respond to internal stress triggers. This will teach them to control their developing brains and not give into full-blown tantrums.

Teaching a child to meditate is not easy, but with a few lessons from a professional, you will give your child the tools they need to practice. Meditation goes hand in hand with yoga, so, if you want, include a yoga session before or after you meditate.

4. Create a positive learning environment

Your child needs to enter a learning environment and become immediately engaged by their surroundings, beginning from the early years. Decorate with bright colors and textures, and make sure your child has access to books and other learning materials – this will enable them to thrive.

Ensure your classroom is warm and comfortable and includes social-emotional learning activities. These will help your child develop into a well-adjusted young person.

5. Get a pet

Pets can help your child to become more mindful by connecting them with these wonderful creatures. By simply tuning into their senses, children can learn to experience the present by paying attention to the sights and sounds that pets provide.

Let your child touch their pet’s fur and play together. They will become enthralled by the experience if they learn to appreciate every moment with their new friend.

6. Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement works so much better than focusing on what your child is doing wrong. By supporting your child’s positive deeds, you can increase the likelihood of repeated positive behavior and actions.

Use enthusiasm and descriptive encouragement to promote your child’s sense of self and personal accomplishment. Young children, particularly toddlers, respond extremely well to cheering and high fives.

7. Be a good role model

Always be emotionally present and accessible for your child and other family members. That will teach your child to become more mindful. Switch off your phones and devices to limit screen time during the evenings and weekends.

That will effectively teach your child that there are more important things in the world. That needs to come from a place of internal calm and peace; you are not punishing your child by limiting screen time. Instead, you are teaching them a valuable lesson.

In conclusion

Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the here and now, rather than stressing about the past or future. It can boost emotional and physical wellbeing by helping children harness the power of dealing with their stress.

Mindfulness is an excellent teacher, and many children who self-soothe will become mindful children with a little extra help. This kind of balanced lifestyle will help your child become more self-aware and greatly increase their self-esteem.

Once your children are older, mindfulness will improve their ability to focus and concentrate at school. It will also teach them to relate to others with kindness and care.

By raising a mindful child, you will also be raising one with acceptance and compassion for others, and we all know that the world needs more of those people!