We could all do a with a little more mindfulness in our lives, including our kids. Today we're revealing five of our favourite mindfulness books that promote calmness for kids.
Mindfulness has definitely been a bit of a buzz word in the last couple of years. Everyone from celebs to esteemed experts have discussed mindfulness and its benefits, but don't let that make you think it's just a fad.
According to the New York Times, children can arguably benefit the most from mindfulness as they can form healthy habits from their early life which they can carry with them through their teens and adult years. These habits, according to Psychology Today, include behaviours such as:
"(improving) executive functionsin their brain like cognitive control, working memory, cognitive flexibility and better grades."
In the same piece, it is argued that mindfulness can help children to avoid distraction and improve impulse control as well as teaching them to stay calm when life gets stressful.
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Here are four of our favourite books that promote mindfulness and meditation for kids.
LEYLA by GALIA BERNSTEIN
This is a beautiful book that touches on the subject of mindfulness without planting the seeds of anxiety and stress in the mind of your child. Leyla is one small member of a very big family which can very overwhelming. One day, she runs away and finds a stoic lizard spending some time alone. He teaches her how to be calm and empathetic towards her lively family and after getting some quiet time, Leyla feels recharged and ready to go back and embrace the chaos at home.
TAKE FIVE written by NIALL BRESLIN illustrated by SHEENA DEMPSEY
Take Five is the second book by author and musician Niall Breslin, also known as Bressie. In this story, Freddie feels sad when he sees all the presents his friend receives for his birthday. Together with his grandmother, he counts all the things he is grateful for in his own life. This is not only a great gratitude trick, but it also helps to give a moment of calmness when big feelings such as frustration, jealousy or sadness are felt.
YOUR MIND IS LIKE THE SKY written by BRONWEN BALLARD illustrated by LAURA CARLIN
This book shows kids that their mind is like the sky - sometimes it's calm and clear and sunny, other times a raincloud comes through, and that's completely okay. The story, written by psychologist Bronwen Ballard, teaches kids that having worries and negative thoughts is completely normal, and helps them to develop healthy thinking habits.
THE UNWORRY BOOK by ALICE JAMES
This is a super fun book that teaches kids that everybody worries - giving them a practical toolkit to deal with any worries or anxieties that may come there way. This book is packed full of pages that you can doodle in, scribble in, write in as well as containing mindfulness activities, colouring, mazes and distraction techniques. If your child is a worrier, we would definitely recommend this book.
Would you add any mindfulness books to our list?