This fortnight’s activity from TRP@home-kids supports Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Mindfulness is helpful for children to reduce stress, enhance performance, gain insight and awareness through observing their own mind, increase their self-awareness and also their awareness and empathy for others.
This activity uses breathing to enhance mindfulness. Breathing in, pausing, then breathing out slows the breath and heart rate and increases one’s self-awareness. At Churchlands students often trace their fingers while breathing. Mindfulness can be helpful to centre oneself at the start of the day, before attempting a new activity or after an active time.
In my family, my PP often relates to us her older sister’s wrongdoings at 100 miles an hour. We encouraged her to breath 3 deep breaths and shake it off, (arms out, hands shaking) before beginning her story. This became her habit. (I suspect due to her finding that being calmer she could more concisely dob on her sister, not so much for her wellbeing…a work in progress.)
I know, for myself, slowing down from the rush and busyness of family life is daunting at times. I like to take a moment to myself at the start of the day, when possible, to begin well. Also, taking a moment to slow down at the end of the day allows me to reflect on stressful moments, when I wasn’t as mindful as I’d have liked, and identify better boundaries for next time. To reflect on the importance of boundaries for parents you may wish to listen to Dr Em. on the TRP imperfects podcast here.
All the best for creating a habit of mindfulness for your children to help them know themselves, remain grounded and follow their own path.