What is a mindful moment and why do we teach them?
- wildfaunanaturepla
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Being a child is hard work with school (or homeschool), extracurricular activities, screen time, and constant stimulation—it’s easy for kids to feel overwhelmed and unregulated. Just like adults, children need little breaks to reset, refocus, and feel grounded. That’s where a mindful moment comes in!
Every day that we get together for Forest and Nature School we make sure, after we have our nutritious lunches, we take some time to have a mindful moment in the forest. We encourage our friends to take a break in the hammocks, get a yoga mat and sit by the fire, find a tree to sit under and create your own sits spot to have a moment to themselves. We offer them notebooks and pencil crayons to draw or write in. Blankets to curl up with or even hot water bottles on those cooler days. We teach them the importance of taking a moment for themselves and how to be mindful.
What is a Mindful Moment?
A mindful moment is a pause in your day that could last just 30 seconds or a few minutes. It helps check in with your body, your breath, and what’s happening around you. It doesn't need to involve any special tools or guidance. All you need to do is sit, pause and give your body and mind the opportunity to reconnect and be mindful. Mindfulness isn’t about sitting still like a statue though—it’s about paying attention, with kindness and curiosity.
Why Mindful Moments Matter for Kids
Mindfulness can help kids:
Settle big emotions
Improve focus at school
Sleep more peacefully
Build empathy and self-awareness
Feel more confident in handling stress
Examples of Child-Friendly Mindful Moments
Here are a few playful and easy ways to help your child tap into a mindful moment:
🌬️ Bubble Breathing
Have your child imagine they’re blowing a big bubble. They take a slow, deep breath in—and then blow out slowly to "fill" the bubble. Do it together 3–5 times.
🐻 Teddy Bear Belly
At bedtime, have your child lie down with a stuffed animal on their tummy. As they breathe in and out, watch the teddy rise and fall. This turns breathing into a calming visual.
👂 5 Senses Game
Pause and ask:
What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
What can you feel?
What can you taste?
It’s a fun way to help kids come back to their body and their surroundings.
🐾 Mindful Walk
Take a slow walk together. Encourage them to notice the sounds of birds, the feel of the wind, or the crunch of leaves. You don’t even have to call it “mindfulness”—just make it a game of noticing.
Tips for Grown-Ups
Keep it light! Mindfulness isn’t a chore—it’s a curiosity.
Model it yourself. Kids learn best by watching you pause and breathe.
Use transitions—before school, after screen time, or before bed—as natural moments to practice.
Be patient. The goal isn’t to make your child sit still, but to help them connect with the present moment.
Mindful moments are like little hugs for the brain. They help children feel safe, steady, and seen. Whether it’s a deep breath, a few seconds of quiet, or noticing the color of the sky—these tiny pauses can make a big difference in anyone's life. In a busy world, giving a child the gift of presence might be the most powerful thing we can do.
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