“You is kind. You is smart. You is important”
Aibileen Clark, The Help.
Do you want to help your child develop focused skills while calming their busy minds?
Paisley, aged 7, smelling Wild Orange for the first time.
The purpose of teaching mindfulness to children is to give them skills to develop their awareness of their inner and outer experiences, to understand how emotions manifest in their bodies and to recognize when their attention has wandered and to provide tools for control. With Mindfulness they can discover the true nature of their mind, and witnessing their thoughts, to enable them to reverse cultural harms that we see today among young people.
Mindfulness can be a big word for children to understand; In simple terms, mindfulness is just awareness. It is noticing their thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and anything that is around them and happening in the present moment. Research also indicates that it teaches children to pay attention, to help manage their emotions when upset, and make better decisions.
Mindfulness can also improve mental health and well-being in young people. Spending time in nature and finding insights into the art of stillness can help reduce stress and anxiety and bring about a sense of calmness. When young people learn to be more ‘present’, they can also develop a greater ability to pay better attention better.
Keeping it fun and simple is key. In my practice, I help children and young people explore Mindfulness through games, books and even mindfulness eating to support them to internalize this practice in a gentle and age-appropriate way. I also believe that teaching them the art of gratitude helps them appreciate the good things in life, rather than being overwhelmed by the challenges of modern life.
Let me teach and guide you and your child, or young person, through this gentle therapy so that you all have control and input into your own healing. Additionally, there is also the option to have an essential oil diffusing throughout the session, or for them to inhale a safe, calming aroma such as Wild Orange to help promote inner peace.