Want a new way to wind down at bedtime? Try a "senses" exercise. Mindful listening, seeing, tasting and feeling can really relax kids, enhance mindfulness and get them out of their heads before sleeping. After your usual bedtime routine, pick a favorite ideal location (my son and I use the beach). Walk them through two to five things for each of the senses that they might find in that spot. For example:
- "You can hear the sound of the waves ... the gulls.
- You can smell the salt air ... the picnic food.
- You can see the sails of the boats ... the crabs.
This gives a little structure for you to help them with a sweet meditative journey before bed.