How to teach your children effective and fun meditation techniques

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It’s never too early to teach your children meditation. In fact, there has been a growing interest in meditation and yoga practices among children as a means to relax and connect to their inner calm. Even if you are not a certified yoga instructor or meditation expert, you can still teach your child the basic principles of meditation. Here are some ways.


Emphasize the importance of anchored breathing. Those who regularly practice meditation, no matter in what degree, know that its basic principle is breathing. Advise kids to be conscious of their breathing by touching their chest or stomach to notice the body’s movement. By shifting their full attention to their breathing, they can be fully present at that moment.


Teach how to let go of thoughts. It could be a challenge to ask children to clear their minds and thoughts, but you can do it effectively by tapping into their playful imagination. Describe a setting in which they would have to clear things out, or go to a place where they would have to leave something behind. While describing a safe scenario, instruct them that they would have to clear their thoughts and leave their thoughts behind.

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Set intentions and be patient. There could be many questions asked during a meditation session with kids, so be prepared to answer them without losing your patience. Teach them the concept of setting intentions and rid of “end goals,” to ease the pressure off.


Jonah Engler of Brooklyn, New York, is involved in organizations such as the Children of Promise foundation, the United Federation of Teachers, and the Buddhist center Nalanda Institute. For more reading material about mindfulness, parenthood, and meditation, visit this page.