A book to enjoy the present: A practical guide to mindfulness for children

After living in confinement for almost two years due to Covid-19, we face moments of uncertainty and stress due to isolation. And if, as adults, we are on the verge of a nervous breakdown, imagine the spoiled ones at home. For this reason, today I want to recommend a book that the whole family will surely enjoy: A practical guide to mindfulness for children: Simple tools and exercises to do at school and home, by Silvio Raij.

Suddenly, we stopped seeing our friends in person, we could no longer visit our favorite places, and many were even unable to see their parents for a long time. It was then that circumstances led us to renew ourselves, acquire new knowledge, and adapt to a new lifestyle in every way.

This affected both adults and children, but fortunately, during this confinement, the practice of activities that help us clear our minds and feel calm in the face of the unknown and alarming situation we are experiencing increased.

This is how this remarkable book published by Editorial Paidós came into my hands, which I highly recommend:

A practical guide to mindfulness for children: Simple tools and exercises to do at school and home, by Silvio Raij.

This practical guide to mindfulness for children has illustrations by the artist Julieta Farfala, and the text highlights the experience of Silvio Raij. He is categorized in the field of coaching, leadership, and mindfulness. This book explains the importance of knowing what mindfulness is and how to teach children the benefits of this practice.

Mindfulness comes from Buddhism, a philosophical doctrine that dates back to 2500 BC. and generally invites one to live here and now with balance, openness, and acceptance of oneself and the environment. If you want to know more, do not miss the specific note that we have in Baby Creysi for you.

But let’s get on with the book…

It is aimed at parents, educators, or anyone who lives with children, and it should be noted that no previous experience in the practice of meditation is required, which makes this book a simple tool to teach children the importance of living in the now.

That you discover with your children the benefits of practicing mindfulness will be healing for them, especially if in their routine they are constantly stressed, they get irritated more easily than ordinary people, or you notice that they have stopped enjoying themselves, that they live it in the cell phone, tablet or computer and do not connect with their surroundings.

Beyond the stress…

This reading gives us words that, when put into practice, become beneficial and enriching in every way, and even better, if we share these teachings with children, little by little, they will learn to be aware of their emotions and thoughts.

How to read it?

The guide is divided into eleven chapters in which we will learn about mindfulness and how to apply it in our daily lives. We will be taking our first steps in teaching mindfulness to children, and we have a whole chapter explaining how to use the cards (included), so it is important to read the book before using them. In the last chapter, you will find a guide on designing a class using the cards.

The book includes thirty illustrated cards specially designed for children between 4 and 12 years old to help them learn to relax through mindfulness, find calm, cultivate kindness, and control their emotions better. Each of the cards has instructions for the activity to be carried out, the intention, materials (if required), the practice, and questions after having done the exercise. They are divided into six themes:

1. Breathe
2. Pay attention
3. Observe your thoughts
4. Manage your emotions
5. Discover your body
6. Be kind and happy

“Childhood is a wonderful stage. There is no past, no future; just a present that is looked at with innocence and illusion”.

Carla Montero

I am sure you will enjoy reading and doing the exercises in the book, individually or in a group. Invite the little ones to join in living a whole and assertive life with mindfulness practice.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Other column by Susy: First books for young thinkers