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Building the Mind/Body Connection with Your Child

Written by David Kellner

The mind-body connection is a powerful tool that can help children to better understand and manage their emotions, physical sensations, and overall well-being. By teaching kids how to build the mind-body connection, parents and caregivers can help children develop important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. In this blog post, we will explore the value of helping kids build the mind-body connection and discuss some practical ways to do so.

What is the Mind-Body Connection?

The mind-body connection refers to the relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Our bodies respond to the way we think and feel, and our thoughts and emotions can be influenced by physical sensations in our bodies. For example, when we are feeling anxious, we might experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tension. By recognizing these physical sensations, we can become more aware of our emotions and take steps to manage them.

Why is the Mind-Body Connection Important for Kids?

Building the mind-body connection can be especially important for kids, as they are still learning to navigate their emotions and physical sensations. By developing this connection early on, kids can develop important skills that will help them to manage stress, regulate their emotions, and build resilience. The mind-body connection can also help kids to develop a more positive self-image and increase their overall sense of well-being.

How to Help Kids Build the Mind-Body Connection

There are several practical ways to help kids build the mind-body connection. Here are a few ideas:

1. Practice Mindful Breathing: Mindful breathing is a simple but powerful technique that can help kids to become more aware of their physical sensations and regulate their emotions. Encourage kids to take deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth, focusing on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of their body. A simple but fun exercise is to place a stuffed animal or other toy on your child's belly while they are lying on their backs and encourage them to track the rise and fall of the stuffed animal as they draw their breathe to their bellies.
2. Yoga or Stretching: Yoga and stretching can help kids to become more aware of their bodies and build the mind-body connection. There are many resources available online for kid-friendly yoga or stretching routines that can be done at home.
3. Body Scan Meditation: Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any physical sensations that are present. You can have them imagine a butterfly gently landing on each part of their bodies as you guide them from the tops of their heads to their toes. This can help kids to become more aware of their bodies and recognize the relationship between physical sensations and emotions.
4. Mindful Walking: Encourage kids to take a mindful walk, focusing on the sensation of their feet on the ground and the movement of their body as they walk. For more fun, you can have them walk from one point to another with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% silliness. This encourages focus and attention to the movement in their bodies and also modulating the energy they bring to the space. 
5. Play Mindful Games: There are many games that can help kids to build the mind-body connection, such as "Red Light, Green Light" (where kids stop and take deep breaths on "red light" and resume activity on "green light") or "Body Bingo" (where kids check off different physical sensations they are feeling, such as a fluttery feeling in the stomach or a tightness in the chest).
6. Mindful Eating: Offer for kids to approach their meals slowly, noticing the feel, color and even sounds of their food. Doing so can create a greater ability to remain present within a moment.

In conclusion, building the mind-body connection can be a valuable tool for children, helping them to better understand and manage their emotions, physical sensations, and overall well-being. By incorporating mindful practices into daily life and encouraging kids to pay attention to their bodies, parents and caregivers can help kids to develop important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Published: April 19, 2023