Parenting is the most fulfilling job that we will ever have. The Parent-Child Relationship is one that nurtures the physical, emotional and social development of the child. This relationship lays the foundation for the child’s personality, life choices and overall behaviour.

Establishing a strong foundation starts with mindfulness. By practising mindfulness at an early age, we can minimise anxiety and increase happiness. The practice of mindfulness can be especially beneficial to young children. The habits we form early in life will inform our behaviours in adulthood, and by focusing on mindfulness today, we are giving our children the habit of being peaceful, kind, and accepting.

In parenting, mindfulness allows us to choose the skillful response instead of succumbing to our visceral reactions. Research suggests that mindfulness can help our children improve their abilities to pay attention, to calm down when they are upset, and to make better decisions. Simply put, it helps them to regulate their emotions and to think clearly. 

What’s most important is to always know that when you  “Slow down, you’ll get there faster.” — Katherine King

About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of being aware of oneself and one’s surroundings. It is the ability to be in the present moment without judgement. The key to this is to slow down and pay attention to what you are doing, even if it is just focusing on your breath. Focusing on being mindful is a way for children and teens to reduce stress and speed up their tendency to slow down and take their time.

In trying to raise an emotionally intelligent child, it is easy to discourage your child from expressing their intense feelings (because it's uncomfortable! ), but that is the most common mistake parents make.

Emotional health comes from being able to feel both pleasant and unpleasant emotions! 

Five simple ways to introduce mindfulness to children

1. Count Breaths: Teaching your child to pay attention to their breathing is a simple yet effective way to calm their minds.

2. Draw an Object: Give your child an ordinary object, such as a rock or leaf. Have them hold it and examine it for a while and then draw the object

3. Make your walks Mindful: Take a stroll through your neighborhood and get them to notice what they haven't seen before. 

4. Listen to the bell: Pay attention to what they can hear. You can use a bell, wind chimes, or a phone app with sounds. Hear with patience until sound fades. (which is usually 30 seconds to a minute). 

5. Practice Mindful eating: Encourage them to appreciate the food's appearance, smell, feel, and taste as they take their first few bites.

Besides these techniques, See Sow also developed a unique way for teaching mindfulness to children. Through purposeful clothing we want to provide children with tools which they need to develop self love, confidence, being kind and thankful to others.

 
At See Sow we’ve introduced interactive garments to help kids learn about mindfulness in an enjoyable way.

Affirmations Dungaree: 

Positive affirmations can be life changing for kids. Our Affirmation Dungaree and Badges are a fun way for kids to practice affirmations. Each pack is designed with unique affirmations that help empower the thoughts and instill- self love, self worth, compassion, empathy, gratitude and ease in general. 

Expressions Co-ord Set:

The most vital learning from this garment is that no emotion is permanent. No emotion defines the child or anyone else. From angry to okay to happy, they can change emotions they feel. 

Labyrinth Co-ord Set:

A purposeful and interactive clothing for kids to learn, play and feel their best in a game of joining the dots. Subtly enabling them to use their ingenuity and learn to follow their instinct and make pathways for themselves.

Always remember “Everything is created twice. First in the mind and then in reality.” – Robin Sharma

A word from See Sow

Integration of mindfulness into everyday life can contribute to a healthy family culture. There are many ways kids can practice mindfulness-based interventions depending on their age and personality, and there’s no question that exploring what works for your child will benefit them enormously.

If one technique doesn't resonate with your little one, try something else. As every individual is different, what works for you may not be as compelling to a 4-year-old or tween. The most important part of the process is to remain consistent and positive throughout the experience. The ability of your child to connect with themselves and their environment should grow and flourish with time.

As a conscious brand we've developed our range of clothing for kids that reflect and help build a positive personality. Head over to our shop and explore various concepts. 

See Sow - conscious clothing for every mindful parent!