Think your kiddo is too young to start meditating? Think again! And guess what? It’s never too late for you either, even if you’ve never tried it before (yet). 
You don’t need to sit cross-legged like a pretzel or stay still for hours to enjoy the benefits of meditation. It’s not about doing it perfectly—there are so many fun ways to meditate—eyes open, eyes closed, this way, that way. It’s all about being present and noticing what’s happening around you.
At What Age Can Kids Start Meditating?
Kids can start meditating as soon as they can sit still and focus for a short period, usually around age 4-5. With a little guidance from an adult, they can embark on this magical journey of mindfulness.
How Do We Teach Meditation to Kids?
Meditation is all about being aware of the present moment. It’s about slowing down our busy minds so we can focus on one thing at a time. Our minds churn out over 60,000 thoughts a day, many of them repetitive and negative. So, teaching kids to slow down and observe their thoughts is a great habit to start young!
Making Meditation Fun!
BUT – we can also make meditation a playful presence practice, which is what we do in our Majik Kids “Bubble Blowing” meditation inside the Majik Kids App. That particular practice has kids pretend their body is a bubble blower. When they breathe in, they load the bubble blower. When they breathe out, you can hear a symphony of bubbles blowing out and popping all around them. It is a breathwork practice disguised as a game!
Here are some playful ways to introduce meditation to young children:
Mindful Eating: Turn mealtime into a mindful moment! Ask everyone to pause and look at the bite they’re about to take. Notice the texture, taste, smell, and temperature of the food while chewing it slowly and mindfully—32 times if you can!
Meditation Songs: Sing along to calming songs like Majik Kids’ “Breathe” by Stephanie Leavell. Stretch, relax, and enjoy the moment together.
“Breathe, just breathe,
Take a deep breath, and just breathe (x2)
Raise your hands up high,
Stretch your fingers to the sky,
And breathe, just breathe,
Take a deep breath, and just breathe.”
Meditation Games: Have fun staring at a candle flame for 30 seconds or gazing into each other’s eyes without looking away (blinking is allowed!) for as long as you can.
Mantra Meditations: Create a gratitude meditation to practice before meals or bedtime. Say something like, “I am grateful for today, for sunshine, for the oxygen from the trees, for my friends and family…”
Body Scan: Try a body scan from toes to head, noticing the sensations in each part of your body. Check out Majik Kids’ “Floating in Space” meditation for a fun twist on body awareness and weightlessness.
Sleep Meditation: Wind down with a breathing meditation like Majik Kids’ “Breathing Bubbles.” Teach your child to focus on their inhales and exhales, slowing down their breathing and calming themselves for a restful sleep.
Enjoy the Silence: Sometimes, silence is the best medicine. Noise and distractions can be exhausting, so take time to unplug. Silence fosters creativity, contemplation, and raises oxytocin levels. Being still and present is more than enough.
Sounds of Nature: Enjoy sitting in a park or your backyard, listening to the sounds of nature and smelling the fresh air.
Majik Kids’ Imagination Meditations: The Majik Kids App is full of fun “Imagination Meditation” which are play-based, imaginative practices that will support your child to learn about the power of their breath, thoughts and how to calm their own nervous system.
Have other fun ideas for meditating with kids? Share them with us!
Remember, meditation is not about getting it right—it’s about being there and enjoying the journey. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of mindfulness together!
