As parents ourselves, we know we always want the best for our children. We want them to grow up happy, healthy, and confident. One way to help them achieve this is by encouraging them to journal, repeat positive self-affirmations, and practice mindfulness and meditation, even at a young age.
Why is journaling important for children?
Journaling is a great way for children to express their thoughts and emotions in writing or drawing. It truly helps them process their feelings. In “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne, they note how children can process something by repeating it. By writing it down and/or drawing, this helps your child better understand something that may have occurred. And by journaling regularly, children can develop a sense of self-awareness and self-reflection.
How can positive self-affirmations benefit young children?
Positive self-affirmations can help children build self-esteem and confidence. By repeating positive statements about themselves, children can rewire their brains (literally; they can rewire their synapses to create new paths in their brain to help them think differently) to focus on their strengths and abilities. This practice can also help them develop a positive, growth mindset and overcome negative self-talk.
What are the advantages of teaching children mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness and meditation can help children manage stress, improve their focus and concentration, and enhance their emotional regulation. By teaching children to be present in the moment and to practice mindfulness techniques, you can help them cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace. Some different meditations include:
- 5 Finger Meditation: Hold one hand up, palm facing you, take your pointer finger on your other hand and trace the fingers on your hand. Breathe in through your nose as you move your finger up, breathe out through your mouth as you move your finger down.
- Belly Breaths: Lay down, and place a stuffed animal or small toy on your belly. As you breathe in through your nose, watch the stuffed animal or toy rise. As you breathe out through your mouth, watch as the stuffed animal or toy falls.
- 5, 4, 3, 2, 1: Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Using your 5 senses, think of:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you hear
- 3 things you feel
- 2 things you smell
- 1 thing you taste
- Counting Breaths: Sit comfortably on the floor or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. As you breathe in through your nose, count 1 in your head. As you breathe out through your mouth, count 2. Repeat until you get to 10, then start over.
Introducing "Affirm & Reflect - A Journal for Kids"
Consider incorporating all of these important habits into your child's daily routine with Affirm & Reflect - A Journal for Kids. This interactive journal is designed to help your young children explore their thoughts and feelings, self affirm, and cultivate a growth mindset. With prompts for journaling and drawing, 5 new affirmations daily, and mindfulness exercises to practice each week, this journal can empower your child to develop a strong sense of self and resilience.
Click here to purchase Affirm & Reflect - A Journal for Kids (Ages 4-7 Years Old): Hard cover (6x9 inches) version
Click here to purchase Affirm & Reflect - A Journal for Kids (Ages 4-7 Years Old): Spiral bound (8.5x11 inches) version