What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a mental practice that involves
paying full attention to the present moment without judgment.
It encourages us to be aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. There is no specific state of tranquillity that you must attain, and it is not about emptying your mind. Rather, it involves sincerely and compassionately observing your current experience.
Children start their mindfulness journey with an advantage, as they tend to be far more immersed in the moment than adults are. Additionally, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and adapt) is most pronounced during childhood. A growing body of research points towards tangible benefits of mindfulness for children,
including their emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Below are some of the key benefits of mindfulness for children:
Well-being
Practising mindfulness helps children step back from the constant stream of thoughts, judgments, plans, and worries that often fill their minds throughout the day. By engaging in mindful activities, the body’s relaxation response is activated, leading to measurable changes in brain waves, heart rate, and breathing patterns. This shift not only helps children feel calmer but also supports clearer thinking and more balanced emotional responses, allowing them to navigate challenges with greater ease and self-awareness.
Social & Emotional Learning
Mindfulness enhances social and emotional learning (SEL) by helping children become more aware of their own emotions and more empathetic toward others. It teaches them to pause, reflect, and respond with kindness rather than react impulsively. As children learn to name their feelings, understand where they come from, and manage them with care, they also become better at recognizing emotions in their peers. This builds emotional intelligence, strengthens relationships, and creates a more compassionate and connected social environment.
Concentration & Attention
Mindfulness supports children’s concentration and attention by training their brains to focus on one thing at a time. Through simple practices like mindful breathing or listening, children learn to notice when their minds wander and gently bring their focus back. This strengthens their ability to stay present during tasks, ignore distractions, and improve their working memory. Over time, mindfulness helps build the mental muscles needed for sustained attention and deeper learning.
Behaviour
Mindfulness helps children improve their behaviour by teaching them to pause, notice their thoughts and feelings, and make more thoughtful choices. Instead of reacting impulsively, they learn to respond with awareness. This supports emotional regulation, reduces outbursts, and encourages empathy and patience with others. Over time, mindfulness helps children build stronger self-control, focus, and positive social interactions.
To read more about the evidence of the impact of mindfulness on children and young people you are welcome to click here to read the Mindfulness in Schools Project's Research Summary.
