Nurturing Young Minds: Exploring Mindfulness Through Children’s Eyes
Insights from children who participate in the Mindfulness for Parents & Children, at KMC Kent. It highlights the experiences and perspectives of several young participants, showcasing their enthusiasm for activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor play, and meditation. The children express how these sessions help them manage their emotions, make new friends, and feel more peaceful and happy. Through their reflections, they emphasise the benefits of mindfulness, including improved emotional regulation and a sense of inner peace, even at a young age
Uma, a 6-year-old, eagerly shares her thoughts on the Dharma for Kids sessions (also known as Mindfulness for Children and Parents) held at KMC Kent. “What I like about Dharma for Kids is the arts and crafts, and I learn how to meditate well. If I keep doing it, I’ll get better and better at it.”
When asked about the benefits of meditation in her life, Uma reflects, “Well, I think I’ll know how to process things really easily. If I’m really sad or really angry, I can just know, and I know what to do with meditation. And when I die, I can die pretty peacefully.” !
Another 6-year-old, Eddie, cherishes the time spent with friends, especially Ayana. “I like going in the playing gyms with Ayana and going to Badger’s Hill.”
Twelve-year-old Poppy has learned to manage her emotions fearlessly. When feeling angry, she shares, “I’ll go and sit down and be quiet for a bit, and then get over it.” Her advice for other children considering attending is encouraging: “It’s really fun, and it’s peaceful and nice, and you’ll make new friends and enjoy yourself.”
Jake, who is six finds immense joy in outdoor play, describing it as both exhilarating and reminiscent of playing in one’s own backyard.
When asked about the arts and crafts activities, Uma eagerly elaborates, “Well, we do quite a lot of stuff. We do different things almost every day, but we bring the same things in case people want to do that.”
Her favourite art activity involves making a “feelings wheel.” She explains, “Because when I’m feeling sad or angry or any feeling, I could just show an adult or show somebody what I’m feeling on my wheel. So, it helps you talk about your feelings more easily.”
Uma’s insight extends to helping other children feel comfortable about attending mindfulness sessions. “I’ll tell them it’s all right, and you’ll have really fun at meditation. Once you start going to meditation, you feel more peaceful and happier, and you won’t feel shy anymore.”