It seems as though we are always asking our children to learn and behave, but are we effectively teaching them how? We teach our children many skills, how to button their jackets, tie their shoes, ride a bike, and even jump rope, but are we teaching them how to calm down, how to understand and recognize their feelings and control their actions, or how to be kind and thoughtful to others? Are we teaching our children self-control, the most important skill of all—how to manage their own behavior?
We cannot control our children, but it’s our responsibility as parents and teachers to teach our children the skills and strategies they need to control themselves – their bodies, their thoughts, and their actions.
Research has repeatedly confirmed that self-control and other “executive function” skills, such as, focus, and, learning how to pay attention are critical skills for improving behavior and academic performance.
What better way to teach those essential skills than through the practice of MINDFULNESS!
Through mindfulness practice, children learn self-regulation skills. They learn how to calm their bodies and minds, which encourages mindful choices – learning how to stop and think BEFORE they make a choice and think about the consequences of their choices.
Through the practice of mindfulness, children can learn how to:
⦁ Manage their own behavior.
⦁ Take responsibility for their actions.
⦁ Stop and think about the consequences for what they choose to say and do.
⦁ Make mindful choices.
⦁ Resolve conflicts peacefully.
Through self-awareness and continued practice, these critical skills and activities encourage the development of healthy habits that will last a lifetime!
"Thank you for teaching us how to keep self control. Now I know how my words feel and I should think before I talk. You taught me a lot of good things that can help me when I am growing up."
"Thank you for teaching me about self control. You taught me the right thing to do for myself and others. I learned that I always control my own body. I appreciate that you came and you said "Think before you do something." Just like you said I want to control my own body for my whole entire life. Thank you for coming and teaching us Ms. Jamie."
