Reported benefits of mindfulness for children
- Increased optimism
- Increased attention and awareness
- Increased resilience to stressful events
- Able to self-soothe and self-calm
- More relaxed
- Greater focus
- Improved sleep
- Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
- Decreased ADHD symptoms
- Increased impulse control
- Lasting effects of mindfulness training
Effects of mindfulness on development of the whole child.
“Mental health professionals, educators, and others are increasingly interested in supporting the development of the whole child. Schools are beginning to spend time developing the emotional intelligence of the students, not just focusing on academics. Mindfulness meditation and other mindfulness-based practices traditionally value the promotion of empathy, creativity, prosocial relationships, and compassion for self and other, the development of which will help children throughout their lives.”
Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy Vol 46 No 3, 2012