Playful Games to Teach Mindfulness to Children

Have fun while learning a great new coping skill!

Starfish breathing - have your child pretend thier hand is a starfish and trace thier fingers up and down each side slowly with their other hand, like feeling the points on a starfish. Have them breathe in as they trace up a finger and breath out as they trace down the other side. The parent could even trace the child’s finger with theirs for an added attachment exercise.

I-spy - This classic game allows children to pay attention to their surroundings. Their focus shifts from whatever may be on their mind to spotting different items in the world around them.

Mindful m&ms - This one takes some self-control! Ask your child to place an M&M or any other coated chocolate candy on their tongue and pay close attention to the texture and taste while it changes within their mouth. Don’t let them swallow it right away, let it melt completely while they pay attention to every change, truly being in the M&M moment!

Spacewalk - Your child will move their legs in slow motion steps, while they breathe in and out slowly - making the noise as if they were wearing a space helmet. They’ll focus on their breaths and moving one foot at a time taking big, slow breaths.

Balancing flamingo- While focusing on an object in front of them, straight ahead or about 3 feet in front of them on the floor, slowly lift one leg to stand like a flamingo. Challenge them to stay as still as they can for a few minutes, like a sleeping flamingo!