FIVE TIPS TO INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO MINDFULNESS THROUGH PLAY BY CHLOE GALLIE
We know the benefits of practicing mindfulness as part of our own daily routine, taking the time to slow down, be in the moment and appreciate the present are great tools to be equipped with for modern life. As parents, we love the idea of sharing these skills with our children but, especially for the younger ones, getting them to take time out for quietness and focus can be more challenging!
Here’s the good news – being mindful doesn’t require sitting still or being silent, so you can engage in play which is fun for children but also encourages mindful thinking.
Sensory play is the ideal setting for practicing these techniques and it is easy to set up. Here are my five top tips to get the most out of your mindful play.
1. Start with what you’ve got
Grab a container like a storage box or a baking tray with deep sides. Fill it with a sensory base from your cupboards, our favourites are play dough, flour, water or dried chickpeas but you can use whatever you have to hand. Bear in mind the age of your child and choose a suitable filler for your tray, for example, chickpeas and beans are toxic before cooking so aren’t suitable for younger children who might put things in their mouths. Now you can add extra sensory elements such as food colouring or scents – again these can be things you already have like adding a bit of vanilla extract, or a sprinkling of dried herbs. Finally add in tools and toys for your child to use in the sensory set up. You could add in their favourite dinosaur figures to make foot prints in their dough or a selection of their cups and bowls for scooping and pouring water.
2. Let your child lead the way
Following your child’s lead is a great way to make sure they are fully engaged in play because you allow them to dictate the game. You can start by leaving the activity somewhere they can find it so it feels like a wonderful discovery and then let them explore the materials however seems natural to them. Children who haven’t had the chance to do much messy play before may be hesitant as to whether they are allowed to get their hands dirty, or may not want to, so reassure and encourage them to get stuck in.
3. Take a moment for yourself
Once your child is set up with the activity, if it’s safe to do so, take a step back and have a moment for yourself. Allowing your child to play independently will encourage them to come up with their own ideas, practice problem solving if they encounter things they can’t do themselves and get really immersed in the play world they create- it also means you might get five minutes for a hot cup of tea, the benefits of which cannot be underestimated!
4. Ask questions
Now it’s time to get curious. This is the part that will help your child develop the thought processes required to be mindful as they get older. Younger children are excellent at being in the moment but drawing their attention to the sensations is really beneficial practice as they grow up. Ask them about the temperature of the water, the colours of the dinosaurs, the smells of the herbs, you can also ask whether it reminds them of anything and see what comes up! Discuss their responses and add more detail. This is a good way to promote language development too because instead of explaining an abstract idea like hot or cold, you are talking about it in context so that they can attach meaning to the words you’re using and build their vocabulary.
5. Praise and reprise
As their interest starts to wane, be appreciative of the world they have created and the work they have done, for example ‘Wow! You created so many potions by scooping and pouring the water. I loved hearing your ideas about what all your potions would do!’ It’s also a good time for feedback – if your child didn’t like some of the smells or feelings, you can make a mental note to try something different next time! Finally, get them to help you tidy up by drying off their toys with a towel whilst you tip away the water or scooping dry ingredients back into a container for another day. This extends the play activity and helps them feel a sense of responsibility over their play. There are so many kinds of sensory play and it can be used to teach such a vast range of different skills. Children of all ages love getting stuck in so see if you can find a way to incorporate it into your play – if you’re nervous about mess, summer is the perfect time to get started by taking your play outside. Sand and water are outdoor faves but pretty much any set up can be carried outside and enjoyed in the sun!
Chloe Gallie
ABOUT YOUR AUTHOR
This post was written for A Fine Balance by Chloe Gallie, Founder of DOH by Clo. She makes scented play dough perfect for squishing, storytelling and sharing and it comes in themed kits full of loose parts to help children develop their own imaginary worlds whilst parents enjoy a few moments of quiet! You can find out more about Chloe and her business here.
