How To Talk To Your Kids About Meditation by Kelly Smith
When people hear that I am both a meditation teacher and a mother one of the first questions that I get is how do I talk to my kids about meditation? Over the past 10 years of teaching and sharing meditation I have seen parents, primarily mothers, express a curiosity around meditation and how it can benefit themselves and also their children. Often, these mothers wanted to share the practice with their kids and give them tools for their toolbox to live a more mindful and less stressful life, but they just didn’t know where to start or how to bring it up- but I promise you mama, it isn’t as tough as you think!
When it comes to talking to your kids about meditation, it’s important to remember that you will always know what is best for your child and for your family. You know what will resonate with them and what they are interested in. Of course this will change from child to child, and always trust your gut mama, you know what’s best! That being said, here are a few of my favorite tips as a mother and meditation teacher on how to talk to your kids about meditation if you’re wanting to share this beautiful and powerful practice with your little ones.
Talk to your kids about what meditation is and what it is not.
One way you can introduce meditation to your kids is to just start a conversation about it. You can talk about what you thought meditation was before you started doing it, or if you aren’t currently meditating together you can research what it is with your little one and learn together. Often people, including kids, have preconceived ideas about what this practice entails and learning together can be a great way to start the conversation and try something new with your kids!
Start a meditation practice, and lead by example.
Other than learning together, one of the best ways to open a conversation about meditation with your child is to let them see you meditating. When your children see you meditating or exploring mindfulness in your everyday life it is one of the best ways to open a conversation about what you’re doing and why with your child. Be honest with your kids about why you meditate, how you do it, and what you feel like the benefits are. Keep it light- hearted, and inquisitive. Let them explore, ask questions, and just chat. If they are curious, ask them if they want to join you for a meditation or try a guided meditation together like this short and simple one.
Ask your kids what they know about meditation.
Chances are your kids have already heard about meditation or mindfulness at school, online, or maybe even from their friends or family. So why not start the conversation by asking them what they already know. You might be surprised by how much they know about the practice already, and this might be the perfect way to suggest you start exploring meditation together as a family or as them to lead you through a meditation.
Talk about the benefits of meditation for certain struggles.
If your child is struggling with something specific like anxiety, insomnia, or they struggle to speak kindly to themselves, try telling your children about how meditation can really help with their specific issue. Share the benefits that you think will resonate with them the most. Letting your kids know how meditation can help them with a particular struggle in their life, might be the open door you need to share this practice with them. In my book, Meditation For The Modern Family I have practices for 3 different age groups on 35 of the most common struggles in the household like insomnia, anxiety, self-confidence and more if you need some extra support or guidance for certain topics.
Start a new morning or evening routine.
If you are a family that loves traditions and routines, why not pitch the idea that you start a morning or evening meditation routine as a part of your day? Make it fun, talk to your kids about the practice, why you want to do it and let them be a part of the planning process when creating this new sacred self-care ritual for your family. This can be a wonderful way to talk to your kids about meditation and also let kids of all ages get involved.
When you’re talking to your kids about meditation, always keep it fun, inquisitive and light. Allow it to be a dialogue and an open invitation to share in a simple but significant mindfulness practice.
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