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.

Valentine’s Day Diversity

When you think of Valentine’s Day, diversity is not the first thought that comes to most people’s minds. But it is the perfect celebration to be inclusive with your Valentine’s Day Gifts. The whole point of the day is all about love and being loved. Isn’t that at the core of diversity?

Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to extend our personal feelings of caring to the entire human race. You can help kids appreciate others in many different ways.

Books

Stories are a sure-fire way to broach challenging topics to make changes. There are stories for the very young . . .

Being different in this story can be about race, abilities and disabilities. Teach your child that all people have value and deserve respect.

right through to stories for teens. 

This is a science fiction story in which people can change their appearance easily, but one individual decides to remain true to herself.

Follow he story of friendship and the meaning of self-esteem.

And there are many issues explored in these stories.

Toys

The choice of some toys is obvious, but there are also some choices that you can make intentionally to integrate with learning experiences.

These figures represent different vocations as well as some diversity in the images. Add them to blocks or lego or a dollhouse to build a community that depends on each other.

An Artistic Approach

It is difficult to reflect the diversity of people in your art if you are missing the various shades for drawing people. There are sets of materials to accommodate for this fact.

With this set of pencil crayons your LOs can illustrate a whole host of people to reflect their community or to design material that reflects inclusivity.

Games

Games are a perfect medium to teach about inclusion. Inclusion can be included in the artwork and the facts of many games. In addition, many games are played in co-operation instead of competitively.

In Cupcake Academy, the object is toward together to complete your cupcake assignment. The game does not include diverse images, but the spirit of co-operation teaches your child that it is best to work together.

Posters

Preteens and teens adorn their rooms with inspirational posters. Indeed, there are many that focus on inclusion and diversity.

History

The history of Valentine’s Day begins in a method to overcome oppression. Learn about the history behind this day.

When Saint Valentine is persecuted, he reaches out to others with his letters and cards. Learn the full story through this storybook.

Celebrations Across the World

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. Also learn about different customs for friendship and marriage. National Geographic provides just enough detail to interest most kids.

Clothing

There is a vast array of clothing with positive messages from which to choose at Valentine’s Day from sweatshirts for teens to baby clothes. Let your teen share Valentine’s Day Diversity by wearing clothing with a message.

Encourage your kids can support others through what they choose to wear or not wear.

Music

This Land is Your Land: This well-known folk song took on new meaning when JLo sang it at President Biden’s recent inauguration.

Instead of choosing a predictable present for Valentine’s Day. select a more meaningful gift for your family members and friends.

Promote Diversity and Inclusion!

Related Articles

5 Powerful Strategies for Using Storybooks to Combat Racism: Young Children  Use these storybooks to help your child understand diversity. Research shows that kids notice racial differences as toddlers.    

5 Powerful Strategies for Using Media to Combat Racism: Kids 7 to 12   See the best videos and books to combat racism for kids aged 7 to 12. Keep your kids engaged and discussing diversity and inclusion. Give them strategies to use to stand up to racism. 

Six Types of Toys to Promote Diversity and Inclusion Start early to influence your children’s attitudes about diversity and inclusion. Continue throughout their lifetime.

Christmas Gift Ideas – 13 year-old Grandson

Memo to Grandma

Photo by Brennan Martinez on Unsplash

Hi Grandma

Did you know it’s only 40 more shopping days until Christmas?  Time goes by fast in the Pandemic!  NOT.

I haven’t heard from you in a while through Facetime, but I thought I would help you get started on your Christmas shopping by letting you know about a few things I’d really like this year.  

Don’t you wish that all your grandkids could be so helpful as to give you a list?  After all, Santa gets a list, and he has millions of lists to compare, so he knows what is on everyone’s minds this year.

Relax. I have you covered, Grandma.

All teens like money and gift cards. But that is the old reliable, standby gift. If you want to really impress this year, seriously consider items from these categories I have developed for boys my age.

I know that it is pretty hard to beat our gift from last year – a trip to Disney Land. But since we are all committed to staying at home as much as possible,  I have these great ideas for you. 

I have also checked a few items with my cousins, Charlie and Samir. They are in total agreement. So, before you order those joke socks, take a look at these suggestions.

Technology

I know you use technology when you have to, but technology is melded to our lifestyle for our generation. So, any lit tech gifts are much appreciated.

1) Drone with a Camera – Many of the drones come with recommendations for kids over 14, and I am your oldest grandchild at 13 years old. Here’s something you need to know. Drones that are smaller than 0.55 lbs do not need to be registered, and therefore this is the best type of drones for kids. Also, it is advisable to always have the drone in eyesight. I can help you explain that to my cousins if you decide on this sic gift.

2) Remote controlled car, truck, boat: These are a safer option for some of my younger cousins, but I’d be pleased with them also. 

3) Build Your Own Robots Kit: All the cousins have scads of LEGO, but we don’t have any kits to make robots. Any sort of these kits would keep us busy for hours and add to our engineering abilities.

4) Rocket Building Sets:  You know how much I like to make things explode. A rocket building kit would channel my inner desire and teach me a thing or two about science.

Laugh It Off 

Kids Against Maturity Game: I have played this game at my friend’s house, and it is hilarious. I’d like to share this with my cousins just as soon as we can get together. We could also have a ZOOM session to play the game, if a couple of us had copies of it.

Ways to Visit My Friends

1) Bicycle: I have a bicycle that I got for my 11^th birthday, but now I would like one with more options. My parents have told me that the old bike is still serviceable for me to get around town. But I disagree. You and I could talk about what would be suitable for me. Or maybe a gift card for the local bike store would be a way to solve this issue. Then I could get the exact bike I like.

2) Motorized Scooter: Wouldn’t it be great to see me zooming around the neighborhood on a motorized scooter? I would be able to cover distances without much effort. And an electric one would mean I wouldn’t have to buy gas.

Mini Entrepreneur

You know that I am interested in starting my own business as I love to spend money. My allowance never seems big enough. I heard that several eBooks could help me get some ideas. Perhaps Gramps has the time to help me plan a way to make money in my neighborhood. 

Along with some information, I could also use the tools I would need to start a yard service for my neighbors. I could earn some cash throughout the winter if only I had my own snow shovel and ice chipping tool. And for the summer, a lawnmower and bush clippers would allow me to offer summer care as well.

Cell Phone Accessories

Since almost all of your grandkids have a cell phone, they need some accessories. There are some GOAT belts that have a window for easy texting. It is unlikely that we will leave our phones behind if we have a place for them.

And How About Those Stocking Stuffers?

Now you may be wondering about stocking stuffers. Last year you made such a big hit with the hilarious games you found!   How can you top that this year?  How about . . .

1) LED Bike Wheel Lights with Batteries Included!  All your grandkids love riding bikes, and when we go on night rides, we will have the dopest wheels around.

2) Wireless earbuds . . .   because we need them!

3) A cell phone stand holder is a great idea for when we are at home and want to talk to you.

4) Trick Yoyo:  We love to keep busy, and this is easy to carry with us. 

Hey, my favorite grandma, take a look at my suggestions. I am sure there is something in this list that will tug at your heartstrings and fit your pocket-book.

Your favorite grandson,

Jamal

PS   – Don’t tell my parents about this list. I sent them the same one, as they are clueless about finding things I like.