Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and provides multiple benefits for adults and children alike. Meditation can help decrease stress, anxiety, enhance attention and concentration, and overall well-being.

While meditation may be practiced alone, doing it with others can improve the experience and foster a feeling of connection and community. This is particularly true when parents meditate with their children.

Parents who meditate with their children not only create a bonding experience for their children, but they also assist them in developing the abilities needed for self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. Parents who meditate with their kids also create an opportunity to connect with their children on a deeper level and can provide a safe space for their children to share their feelings.

But, practicing meditation with children can present unique problems and impediments. In this article, we will look at some of the most frequent obstacles and challenges to practicing meditation with children, as well as how to overcome them.

Here are a few common obstacles and challenges that parents may face when practicing meditation with children:

1. Short Attention Span: One of the most challenging aspects of practicing meditation with children is their short attention span. Children are naturally curious and full of energy, making it difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time.

2. Resistance to Sitting Still: Children are naturally energetic, and sitting still for an extended amount of time may be difficult for them.

3. Difficulty Staying Present: Another challenge that children may encounter while practicing meditation is remaining present. Kids have active imaginations, and their minds may wander during meditation.

4. Lack of Interest: Children may also lack interest in meditation if they don't understand the benefits.

5. Lack of Consistency: When it comes to practicing meditation with children, consistency is key. But, busy schedules and competing priorities can make maintaining a regular practice difficult.

Tips to overcome common obstacles and challengesHere are a few tips to overcome common obstacles and challenges when practicing meditation with children:

1. Start with short meditation sessions: To overcome a child's short attention span, parents should keep the meditation sessions short and engaging. Start with a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as the child's attention span develops. Adding fun and interactive elements such as stories, guided imagery, or visualization techniques can also help keep children engaged and interested.

2. Incorporate Sport or Exercise: To help children overcome their resistance to sitting still, parents should incorporate sports or exercise into their daily routine. This can help them release some of their energy while also improving their focus and concentration. Parents can also encourage children to sit in a comfortable position that supports their posture and helps them relax.

3. Encourage Guided Meditations: To help children stay present during meditation, parents can use guided meditations that encourage children to focus on their breath or a specific object.

4. Explain the benefits of Meditation: Parents can help children become interested in meditation by explaining the benefits in a way that the child can understand. Parents may make meditation a joyful and enjoyable experience for their children by involving them in the process and meditating together.

5. Make Meditation a routine: Parents may include meditation into their daily routine to ensure that it becomes a regular practice. They can include meditation into their night or morning routines, or set aside time each day for meditation. Parents may make it a family activity by practicing meditation together, therefore establishing a supportive environment in which everyone can benefit.

In conclusion, while practicing meditation with children might be difficult, with patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, parents can overcome these obstacles and assist their children reap the benefits of this powerful practice.

While all the above tips work at a superficial level, BodhiShishu's techniques work at the subconscious level of the child for lasting results. All our programs are age-appropriate, fun and engaging. Always keep in mind that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. It is important to be patient and try multiple methods to see what works best for your child. That's why all our programs have techniques for all learner types- Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic. Your child can learn the skills needed to be calm and focussed with practise and encouragement.