It's never too late to practice mindfulness as an adult and never too early to teach our children. Here are four tips to help even the youngest of babies to learn how to be more in tune with their emotions and be present with you in the moment.
- Set a good example. Modeling mindful behaviors is key to helping your child adopt their own mindfulness practice.
- Deep breathing. Hold Baby close to your chest and take five to 10 deep breaths. Say "inhale" or "exhale" as you breathe in and out.
- Count to 10. Counting with Baby can decrease frustration and help your child learn to transition more smoothly from one activity to the next.
- Validate Baby's emotions. Teach empathy by verbally acknowledging and identifying their emotions. Don't forget, a hug goes a long way when they're sad.
Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations; used as a therapeutic technique.