Mindfulness for Kids and Teens: Strategies for the Pandemic

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash

Choose Mindfulness for Kids and Teens

By this time, in the pandemic, we are all looking for some ways to cope. Adults at least have the advantage of maturity in coping with problems. Agreed, that we have never suffered such a widespread and relentless issue.

You know that kids do not have the same background to understand that this situation too will pass. Nor do they comprehend that while things are very difficult, their life still has many moments of joy. Mindfulness will support your kids and teens in shifting their mindset into something more positive. 

But as many adults know, kids find it impossible to believe that their parents have the wisdom to guide them. One solution for a caring mom or dad is to make their kids aware of information about the reasons to try mindfulness. You do not need to be the source of information, but you can point them in the right direction. 

A Personal Solution for Mindfulness for Kids and Teens

Have your kids experience this free Mini Mindfulness course as a way of introducing the topic. And when your kids and teens demonstrate that they are willing to try some techniques, explore the possibilities with them.

You may also like to investigate other resources. Take a look at this blog: The Best 20+ Resources for Battling the Coronavirus Fatigue in your Kids of All ages  

A Peer Group Solution for Mindfulness for Kids and Teens

Another powerful way to influence your kids is to interest their teachers about introducing some of the practices. Mindfulness will work in this setting, whether it be in a face-to-face situation or through a Zoom-like experience. Many schools are now embracing mindfulness, with amazing results. The students feel happier and in more control of themselves. Poor behavior in the classroom has been reduced. And there have even been some noticeable educational gains due to a strengthening of kids’ abilities to concentrate. 

The Oakland Study

In a 2010 study, there were noticeable differences in behavior after the students practiced mindfulness techniques and learned more about their emotional health. 

These were the figures from a study conducted in the Oakland area in 2010 after 6 weeks of the new program.

These results are even more impressive once you understand the demographics of the 3 schools.  Oakland had 

—- 4th highest in violent crime in the United States in 2010

— – 15.3 violent crimes per 1,000 people in 2010 all three elementary schools are in relatively high crime areas 

— – on the average, 85% of the students were enrolled in a free lunch program

If mindfulness can make this difference in an area with so many difficulties, you can imagine the effect in places that are more fortunate and supportive of the program.

The Boston Study

Take a look at this more recent study of mindfulness practices in schools. In 2019, in Boston, impressive results were achieved that involved over 2,000 students.

“The study revealed that higher levels of mindfulness were associated with better grades, higher standardized test scores in math and English language arts, better attendance, and fewer suspensions. The findings persisted even when we accounted for students’ prior academic performance, grade level, and demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, economic disadvantage, race/ethnicity, English learner status, and special education status).”

It may be possible to invite your school to try this technique. Especially since many kids are experiencing strong emotions due to the changes caused by the pandemic, or, if you are in Home Schooling Group, try to convince everyone to try mindfulness with their kids. Something is comforting in trying new approaches with more support.

Giving your child a more positive outlook is

vital to support their well-being.