Teaching kids mindfulness has many mental health benefits. This post contains a vetted list of mindfulness children’s books. On our journey to homeschooling, we continue to think long and hard about what and how to teach our two boys asking questions like:
“Who are they?”
“How do they learn?”
“What do we want for them?”
Time and time again we come back to hoping our children are happy and kind. We want them to be secure in who they are and in where they are heading in life. We want them to be present.
Mindfulness Books for Kids
Our boys are boys, though, and are intense and energetic. We can already see our 3.5-year-old is a very serious person and he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. So, how can we help him manage this natural (and wonderful) part of who he is?
Our answer is to integrate more “mindfulness” practices into our daily life. So far we’ve introduced yoga for kids via The ABCs of Yoga for Kids Learning Cards. This activity has noticeably changed (or shall I say calmed) our boys. They are focused and enjoy moving their bodies.
I have also discovered amazing and profound books from which, although written for children, many adults can learn. Here is a shortlist, enjoy.
Children’s Books that Teach Emotions & the Power of Being Present
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
A sweet example of friendship between a monkey and a panda. Lots of lessons to be learned within these pages.
What Does It Mean to be Present?
A lovely book that invites adults and children into the concept of being “present” in ones life.
A Pebble for Your Pocket
As a child and now as an adult, I carry a stone in my pocket, or my bag, or even in the car to ground me throughout the day. This book is simply lovely.
Zen Shorts
A story about an unlikely friendship between three siblings and a panda named Stillwater.
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
One of my all-time favorite books to teach kids about meditation.
Peaceful Piggy Meditation
This book is perfect for addressing the business of life and how to be more flexible when things don’t quite go your way!
My goal is to have informal yoga and peaceful storytimes several times a week. I believe strongly that by integrating these practices and reading into our lives, our children and ultimately our whole family will benefit.
Definitely check out this post on 8 Things I Learned at a Mindful Family Retreat!
Related Post: Simple Ways to Bring Montessori Peace Education into Home & Classroom
Thanks for stopping by! I hope we inspired you today!
Marnie