Teaching mindfulness to kids helps them process their world. In its simplest way, mindfulness is using your senses to observe the environment around you. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help kids with anxiety learn to use their senses to process stressful situations. DIY stress balls for kids are a simple way to practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness in Kids
Mindfulness is an honest look at the moment. When we help our kids learn mindfulness, we are helping them learn to handle stress and anxiety by working through the situation using what they were taught.
Practicing mindfulness exercises helps kids use their senses – – what they are seeing, feeling, smelling, hearing and touching.
The best way to teach mindfulness to kids is to practice right along side of them!
Practice Mindfulness with Kids with these DIY Stress Balls
The mindfulness exercise below is a fun activity for the whole family.
I’m sure you’ve felt stress balls before, but have you ever made one? Many kids love crafts, and this is one the whole family can enjoy.
Materials for DIY Stress Balls:
- balloons (12″ and 9″ work best together)
- scissors
- flour or rice (beads and beans work too)
- Spoon
- sandwich bag
Directions for DIY Stress Balls:
Spoon rice / flour into the sandwich bag until it’s the size you like for your stress ball (about 1/2 cup). Let out ALL the air and secure it (tie a knot, use a small rubber band, or use the cut-off tip of the balloon). Then cut off the excess bag.
Take a 12″ balloon and cut off half the neck. Stretch the balloon over the sandwich bag of rice / flour.
Use a 9″ balloon and cut off the entire neck. Place this balloon over the tied end of the ball you’ve created. That’s it!
Mindfulness Exercise with the DIY Stress Ball
Once the stress ball is complete, have your child hold the ball and take a moment to simply notice what it feels like in his/her hand. They can notice if it’s soft, hard, rough or smooth. Is it stiff, flexible, cold, or warm?
Maybe your child would like to close his/her eyes and roll the ball around in his/her hands. After, ask them to describe what they were feeling.
Mindfulness Helps Calm the Mind
When our kids practice mindfulness, they are allowing their senses to take in what’s around them. Using their senses to focus, instead of focusing on the thoughts swirling in their minds, has a positive impact on lowering anxiety in kids.
Mindfulness exercises can help children improve their concentration while reducing anxiety.
Therapy for Kids and Teens in Washington, PA
Anxiety among kids and teens is on the rise. If you are concerned for your child, please call us at (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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[…] Mindfulness is a great tool to have in life. Teaching mindfulness helps kids stay in the present moment. It can help quiet a loud, busy or racing mind. […]