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Susan Kaiser Greenland shares three tips for mindful parenting aimed at helping children slow down and think critically, enabling them to recognize and change their habits.
We all have habits, some beneficial or neutral, while others can lead to ongoing issues. Kids generally find it easier to adjust these habits compared to adults. One method to begin noticing these automatic behaviors is to set up external cues that can appear throughout the day. These three mindful parenting strategies can serve as interruptions, allowing a moment for reflection.
1. Set mindfulness reminders
I’ve observed children creating simple reminders such as tying a string around a finger, crafting mindfulness bracelets with ribbons or beads, or sticking colorful labels on their devices. Each time they spot these reminders, it’s a chance to pause and reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
2. Use breathing cues
Encourage your kids to practice being aware of their breathing during daily tasks like brushing their teeth or putting on their socks. These breathing cues help children realize how many actions they perform on autopilot. By interrupting these automatic behaviors, they can find the mental space to connect their actions with their thoughts and emotions.
3. Acknowledge peculiar feelings
Children often describe experiencing a strange feeling just before they make a choice they later regret, such as tightness in their chest or a sinking sensation in their stomach. This peculiar feeling arises in the “just before” moment.
By acknowledging these peculiar feelings, kids can pause and consider:
- What drives my decision?
- How does this choice affect my emotions?
- Are my motives supportive or harmful?
If they determine that the action isn’t right upon reflection, they can opt for a different choice.
Photo © flickr.com/Josh Kenzer
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