Mindful defines mindfulness as the ‘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’. It brings awareness to what we’re experiencing in our state of mind from our senses, emotions and thoughts.
Practising mindfulness will help shape your boys responses and research has found that it can improve his attention span, self-esteem and positive behaviour. It also helps with conflict resolution and reduces stress and anxiety.
Leigh Campbell advises how to teach your son mindfulness:
Keep it simple
Talk to your children about being aware of their surroundings and noticing sensations. What do they experience and how does that make them feel?
Activate their senses
Ask them what senses they experience during activities; smell, touch, taste, hear and feel. What does it feel like to touch the lego, smell the paper, or kick a ball?
Involve the whole family
During dinner time, ask everyone to share something they are thankful for. Ask them to describe and explore what they are eating and to notice the taste and sensations of eating.
Mindfulness can easily be weaved into everyday life, both at home and at school.