Last school year, my daughter caught me off guard when she shared that her teacher was introducing the entire class to meditation — and to my surprise, she found it enjoyable and thought it was really cool.
I had always admired her second-grade teacher for her patience and ability to inspire her students, and now she was imparting one of the most valuable skills: how to calm the mind and prioritize self-care. Apparently, teaching meditation in schools is becoming increasingly popular, with many educators recognizing its advantages. It helps children manage their emotions, improve focus, and clear their minds. My daughter mentioned it was a refreshing pause during her busy day, where the classroom atmosphere became serene, and her teacher’s calming voice made the experience even better. In short, it brought her joy.
At just 8 years old, she is full of sass and attitude, so it was refreshing to see her embrace something like meditation.
I momentarily overlooked her interest in meditation until this past summer when she began experiencing difficulties with sleep. Since she was a toddler, her mind has been a whirlwind of thoughts — a double-edged sword that fuels her intellect and curiosity but makes winding down at night a challenge. She often struggles to fall asleep or wakes up too early, unable to drift back off.
Taking a leap of faith, I suggested we try meditating together before bedtime to see if it might help. Initially, I thought meditation would only resonate if it came from her beloved teacher, but surprisingly, she was all in.
To entice her, I mentioned downloading some meditation apps on my phone — she’s a tech enthusiast after all. I also offered to use some relaxing essential oils, which made it feel like we were preparing for a special occasion.
So there we were, lying on the floor of her cozy room, lights dimmed, both of us enveloped in essential oil aromas, while listening to a children’s meditation app I had downloaded. The session lasted about 10 minutes, and I was astounded to see her remain completely still for the entire duration.
While the meditation itself felt a bit juvenile, containing a story about watching a ball float above her belly and then transitioning to a serene beach scene, she genuinely enjoyed it. When I asked her what she liked best, she mentioned her ball was bright pink with her name written in blue. (How adorable is that?)
Since then, she has been eager to meditate almost every night, and sometimes her younger brother joins us. Though he’s a bit too young to stay quiet for long — likely more interested in the essential oils than the meditation itself — he remains relatively still and seems to enjoy the experience too.
During those moments, lying in the dark with my children, I often feel a profound sense of calm and connection that we rarely experience amid our busy lives. It’s as if our family takes a mini-retreat together, if only for a few minutes each day, creating a meaningful release I didn’t think was possible with kids around.
My daughter has been sleeping better, which is a wonderful outcome.
If you’ve ever considered introducing meditation to your kids, I encourage you to give it a try. There’s a variety of apps available, and you might need to experiment a bit to find the right fit (we’ve thankfully moved past the overly cheerful narrator). There are also books about meditation for children, or you can simply lead the session yourself.
Here are some useful tips:
- Establish a Routine: Designate a specific time for meditation to make it a regular part of your day.
- Involve Your Child: Let them choose the meditation type and its duration, and don’t pressure them if they’re not interested some days.
- Set the Mood: Dim the lights (but not too dark if they’re afraid), provide comfy seating, and use candles or scents they enjoy to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Be Patient: Don’t expect your child to grasp meditation instantly. There may be some fidgeting initially, but with time, they’ll likely adjust and be able to sit still longer.
- Make It Engaging: For younger children, incorporate games that highlight quietness versus loudness and teach them about controlled breathing and movement. Select age-appropriate meditation programs that involve vivid storytelling and visualization.
If you think your children might resist or dismiss meditation as something only adults do, just pick a day and dive in. You might be pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoy it after giving it a shot.
For more insights on family wellness, check out our post about using the home insemination kit and understand the broader context of family planning with resources from Southend Clinic and News Medical.
Summary
Introducing meditation to children can foster emotional regulation and improve focus. By creating a routine and making it engaging, parents can help their kids develop this valuable skill. The positive effects, such as better sleep and a sense of calm, can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.