The conversation on meditation and mindfulness has really come to light during the pandemic. I began to research and learn more about meditation and mindfulness when I had free time due to the 2020 pandemic. I realized meditation needed to be present in a young child’s life.
Throughout my nearly 50-year career working with children and families, children have the same developmental milestones and challenges from generation to generation. In my experience, everything we teach young children will be imprinted in their life’s journey. Teach children to meditate or take time to breathe and they will have the tools to use when they feel anxious inside or out. Sometimes we notice or sense a young child’s anxiety when they become despondent, shy, or out of control. Teach meditation to provide tools to reduce anxiety.
I truly wish I embraced the tools of meditation earlier in my career. I have fully embraced the benefits of the art of meditation and am excited to encourage young children to learn to meditate. Rather than making statements like, “you will be fine,” “knock it off,” or “stop that” they can be reframed to “together, let’s take a deep breath….” and practice meditation. Next, have a conversation about the child’s feelings.
To help teach children how to meditate, I wrote Come Meditate With Me. This story teaches young children the art of meditation. To get this story to as many children as possible, it is currently available as a free download. It is important that the message of meditation be available to all who want to start teaching these concepts in homes and classrooms.
For families who want to read this story in Spanish, download Ven a meditar conmigo. Thank you to a friend and colleague of mine, Carmen Diaz Jusino, for translating this story!
To download your copy of Come Meditate With Me or Ven a meditar conmigo go to www.drdaycare.com/come-meditate-with-me or email me directly at drdaycare@drdaycare.com. I value your input, comments, and thoughts on the story, too.
What a great way to start 2022 to have a New Year’s resolution to be mindful with children!
Dr. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith
Founder, Dr. Day Care
“Dr. Day Care” is Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, Ed.D. – the Founder of Dr. Day Care Learning Center, Kids Klub, Therapeutic Child Care Services, and Child Care Consultants & Facilities Management. We educate infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and school-age/camp children.
“Dr. Day Care” can be reached anytime by calling 401-723-2277 x 222 or by e-mail at drdaycare@drdaycare.com. For additional Parent Resources, such as informational videos, visit our website at: www.drdaycare.com. Read more about Dr. Mary Ann’s children’s books at www.drdaycare.com/books