Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Cultivating Mindfulness in Children

Children, curious and inquisitive by nature, live in the moment and can be very attentive but just as often they are as busy as adults and just as tired, easily distracted, and restless. Mindfulness, the awareness of the present moment without judgment, helps to build self-awareness, awareness of others, and awareness of the world. Practicing mindfulness can help alleviate stress, worry, and anger, as well as improve focus and sleep. It does require some effort and intentionality but luckily there are many tools available for free to help you and your children. Author Annaka Harris posts some guided exercises for children on her website and, of course, we have some favorite picture book as well as resources for parents/caregivers:

A Handful of Quiet by Wietske Vriezen (Illustrator); Thich Nhat Hanh

 A Handful of Quiet is a concrete activity that parents and educators can introduce to children in school settings, in their local communities or at home, in a way that is meaningful and inviting. Any adult wishing to plant seeds of peace, relaxation, and awareness in children will find this unique meditation guide helpful. Children can also enjoy doing pebble meditation on their own. B

I Am Peace by Susan Verde; Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice. Express emotions through direct speech. Find empathy through imagination. Connect with the earth. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Breathe, taste, smell, touch, and be present.

The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito; Julia Kuo (Illustrator)

"Do you have a favorite sound?" little Yoshio asks. The musician answers, "The most beautiful sound is the sound of ma, of silence." But Yoshio lives in Tokyo, Japan: a giant, noisy, busy city. He hears shoes squishing through puddles, trains whooshing, cars beeping, and families laughing. Tokyo is like a symphony hall! Where is silence? Join Yoshio on his journey through the hustle and bustle of the city to find the most beautiful sound of all.

Meditate with Me by Mariam Gates; Margarita Surnaite (Illustrator)

This practical guide is gentle, clear, and a pleasure to use. Kids will learn how to focus on their breath, on the sensations in their body, and on the sounds around them to help them relax, settle their busy minds, and understand their emotions. Illustrated with cheerful drawings of five animal friends, the book offers step-by-step directions and a repeating refrain- "Breathe in, and fill your whole body. Breathe out, and relax your whole body." It's an invigorating first experience of mindfulness that can be shared by parents and children at home, or by teachers and students in the classroom.

Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee MacLean; Sarah Kanake

Do you want to help the children in your life discover stillness, calm, confidence, and resilience? Children can develop greater joy and concentration through the practices of mindfulness and meditation, and Moody Cow Meditates is the perfect way to introduce them. This vibrant and funny children's book is a playful way to introduce children to the power of meditation and includes exercises to make your own meditation jar at home! 

Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban; Henry Cole (Illustrator)

ISBN: 9780152053376

Who knows the best way to be mad? Bear stomps. Hare hops. Bobcat screams. Mouse? He just can't get it right. But when he finds the way that works for him--still and quiet--he discovers that his own way might be the best of all. Linda Urban's story about self-expression is both sweet and sly, and Henry Cole's cast of animal friends is simply irresistible.

Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey; Anni Betts (Illustrator, Illustrator)

Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and movements can be performed anytime, anywhere- in the car to the grocery store, during heavy homework nights at home, or even at a child's desk at school. 

Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel; Jon Kabat-Zinn (Foreword by); Myla Kabat-Zinn (Read by)

Simple mindfulness practices to help your child (ages 5-12) deal with anxiety, improve concentration, and handle difficult emotions.  Includes a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises read by Myla Kabat-Zinn. This little book is a very appealing introduction to mindfulness meditation for children and their parents. In a simple and accessible way, it describes what mindfulness is and how mindfulness-based practices can help children calm down, become more focused, fall asleep more easily, alleviate worry, manage anger, and generally become more patient and aware.