Real Schools
Restorative Practices at BNPS
Mindfulness is the fourth component of raising a resilient child. During the session, Shelia helped parents understand different types of mindfulness. She shared a few strategies and highlighted the importance of developing and practising this skill.
Mindfulness is a practice that helps both children and adults focus calmly on the present moment, fostering emotional strength and flexibility. It allows children to recognise and manage intense emotions by pausing, taking a deep breath, and observing their feelings without reacting impulsively. This emotional regulation is crucial for building resilience, enabling them to handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
Mindfulness improves focus, helping children concentrate on tasks and bounce back from distractions. It reduces stress by teaching relaxation techniques like deep breathing, making it easier for children to stay calm in challenging situations.
Additionally, mindfulness promotes empathy and emotional awareness, helping children understand their feelings and the feelings of others. This strengthens relationships and provides support during difficult times. By learning to slow down and think through problems, children become better equipped to find effective solutions without reacting impulsively.
Some examples of mindfulness techniques that can be used with children are;
Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques help children pause, breathe deeply, and relax.
Body Scans: Teaching children to notice sensations in their bodies helps them become aware of stress or tension.
Mindful Listening: When children focus on specific sounds or sensory experiences, they practice staying present and centred. This helps them develop the ability to focus and remain composed when faced with stressful circumstances.
Gratitude Practice: Focusing on the positive aspects of their lives, even in challenging times, helps children build an optimistic mindset. This kind of positive thinking is crucial for resilience, as it helps them maintain hope and see possibilities even in difficult situations.
As a parent, introducing mindfulness to your child can help them develop the tools they need to be resilient. It equips them to face life’s ups and downs with a sense of calm, focus, and emotional strength, giving them the flexibility to bounce back from setbacks and challenges.
A quick Google search can find many guided mindfulness activities you can try at home.
An important fact to remember is that mindfulness is not simply meditation and sitting on the floor humming. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment calmly and focused without getting distracted or judging what’s happening. Mindfulness can be done outside, while moving your body, with music, or in a quiet, dark room. Try many different strategies until your child finds the option that works for them.