Picture books to introduce children to mindfulness
These are weird and stressful times for all of us and, unfortunately, young children are no exception.
Whether they’ve picked up on the anxieties of those around them or are struggling with online school, it’s likely that children are feeling much the same as the rest of us. One way we can deal with our anxieties and focus ourselves is through mindfulness, which can be described as an awareness of the present moment and nonjudgmental acceptance of our emotions. Meditation is how we practice and improve our mindfulness.
Though it has been practiced for thousands of years — modern mindfulness practices have roots in Buddhist teachings — most people find the practice is compatible with their existing
faith systems and modern lifestyles.
An increasing number of books have been written to introduce the practice of mindfulness to children, and these are very popular at the library. As I write this, most of them are currently checked out.
Mindfulness may not be fix-all for any of us, but it is a helpful tool for children — and adults — to learn emotional self-regulation, reduce anxiety and improve their attention.
Underwood
by Deborah
Calming watercolors accompany poetic text that would be perfect for a relaxing bedtime story. “Outside In” reminds readers of the beauty of the outside world and how pieces of the outside world affect our everyday lives. It’s always there,
you just need to take a moment to notice it.
‘Here and Now’ Julia Denos
by
Through beautiful and inclusive mixed-media art and simple text, this book really draws the reader’s attention to the present moment and the little things that are happening all around us. Most
of us are spending way too much time at home — children included — and this book does a wonderful job poignantly connecting its readers to the outside world through wonderful passages like this one: “The Earth is spinning in the middle of space. We don’t know why. But it is. And you are too.” ‘Meditation is
an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids’ Whitney Stewart
Appealing cartoon-animal characters demonstrate to young children how to meditate using a number of simple practices that help increase relaxation, focus and self- control. Mindfulness is not defined in this book, but that’s OK — the concept can mean different things to different people, and the practices are explained well enough for younger children to grasp.
‘Calm Monsters, Kind Monsters: A Sesame Street Guide to Mindfulness’
by
‘Outside In’
by Kenney, Karen Latchana
Even the gang on Sesame Street has hopped onto the mindfulness train. Your favorite characters (even Os