Mindfulness was introduced to me by my mom at a very young age. Going back, my first memory is from around preschool where we practiced belly breathing with a stuffed toy on my tummy. And as I got a little older, we would listen and repeat positive affirmations everyday on our drive to school. At bedtime, we would listen to sleep meditations. Additionally, when I was having a “break down” moment, mom would help me identify my emotions so I could better manage them. We took a few deep breaths, and found calmness together so we could better manage the situation. I did not at the time realize this was mindfulness. But now, I understand more how these simple practices helped me then and now. Although mom and I both had our off moments, we definitely tried to bring mindful moments into our daily routines.
Question: How would you explain mindfulness to a child?
Mindfulness simply put is about being right here, right now, in the present moment. It helps you not worry about the future or become stuck in the past. Mindfulness allows a time to focus on just you and become connected with yourself.
Question: What mindful practices would you recommend kids to try?
To start, keep it simple, fun and relatable. If possible, parents should build a mindful practice of their own as children learn most from example. I now realize, growing up in a home where meditation and mindfulness were practiced, helped me build a value and appreciation for its benefits.
The reason I created Omi & Friendz is because these cuddly stuffed toys introduce kids to awareness of the breath, emotional recognition skills, and positive mindset in a way a child can relate to. Kids feel comfort in the practice and have something tangible to help them when they need to take a calm down moment. This tool is something that makes it easy for kids and parents to start a mindful practice in their daily routine. I would also recommend creating a “calm down” corner that has other resources such as books and positive affirmation cards.
Question: What is it like being a teenager now and having a foundation in mindfulness.
With stress and anxiety on the rise, teenagers like myself can find ourselves overwhelmed with school, extracurriculars, and our social demands. Mindfulness has given me a foundation needed to help remain grounded and focused. I personally don't believe you have to take long periods out of your day to practice mindfulness, because honestly if I needed to, I likely would not do it. Instead simple “microbreaks” help me get through my busy days. Whether it be 3 focus breaths before an exam, a guided sleep meditation before bedtime, or my personal favorite, taking a mindful moment in my car before entering the house after school. I sit in my driver seat , take a moment to bring myself to the present moment , count a few slow deep breaths and when possible set intentions or goals. It doesn't take long, but this brief pause in my day helps me refocus, energize and find the balance I need. I still do have moments where the demands of life can “get to me”. But it is during these moments that I use our STOP, BREATHE & RESET method the most.
STOP: take a moment to just recognize your thoughts and feelings.
BREATHE: take a pause and a few deep breathes to help calm the nervous system. This allows for a mindful moment which prevents uncontrolled “reactions” vs. having a thoughtful chosen “response”.
RESET: move forward with clarity, calmness and a positive mindset.
Question: Do other teenaged friends of yours practice mindfulness ?
Mindfulness is not something commonly practiced among my peers. But I do hope with increased awareness on the subject and understanding of its benefits, we will see more kids and adults practicing these simple “microbreaks”. I think the key is we should introduce young kids to mindful practices. When young, children already begin to form habits. Mindfulness is a healthy habit and should be introduced into a child's routine as soon as possible. With this, they can grow and benefit as they get older.
Question: Why would you encourage parents to introduce mindfulness to their preschool or elementary aged children?
I strongly believe we should catch kids when they are younger as it's during this developmental phase that they are sponges and open minded. Just like we introduce ABC’s and 123’s to preschoolers, we should introduce awareness of the breath and other calm down techniques. With this basic foundation you will begin to see growth. Numbers will turn into algebra, words will turn into essays, and “let's breathe together “ will grow into mindfulness.
]]>
Mindful BuddieZ introduces kids to mindful concepts using interactive stuffed animals that guide them through short kid-friendly mediations and breathing exercises. By using a tangible stuffed animal, kids are quick to love and welcome a Mindful Buddy into their home. With this, we begin to plant the "mindful seed" and help provide the foundation needed for children to have social-emotional growth.
"Let's Breathe Together"
-Gia Saggar
Co-Founder, Mindful BuddieZ
]]>
Teaching kids to be aware of their emotions can help them establish the confidence needed to make more conscious choices as they grow up. The ability to recognize an emotion in oneself and others is called Emotional Awareness.
The concept may seem simplistic or intuitive but many of us struggle to manage our feelings and find ourselves at times reacting to situations in ways that we wish we did not. This reactive nature can become habitual and can begin to impact our relationships, health and wellbeing.
Offering kids emotional awareness opportunities in their daily life can help create the foundation needed to deal with difficult thoughts or feelings. Mindfulness teaches kids to label their emotions by saying for example “ I am worried” or expressing happy emotions such as “ I am excited”. Learning to express these feelings, both positive or negative, help kids gain stability within.
At Mindful Buddiez, we have developed a STOP, BREATHE & RESET method to help children cultivate emotional regulation skills.
STOP: Allow a moment to simply pause to check-in with how you are feeling.
BREATHE: Take a few conscious deep breaths to process your thoughts and find a sense of calm and clarity.
RESET: Now with clarity and awareness, you can now shift to a more controlled response vs an uncontrolled reaction. You can ask yourself “How do I want to feel?” or “How do I want to move on with my day?”
The goal at Mindful Buddiez is to introduce children to our STOP, BREATHE & RESET method in a fun and relatable way. Our collection of interactive stuffed toys empowers children to practice simple mindfulness techniques in a way that is enjoyable. We go back to the basics and require no teachers, no adult telling kids to “calm down” or dependency on an electronic device. The simplicity of a guided stuffed toy is all your child will need to feel good.
Join us on our mission to bring mindfulness and emotional awareness to all children.
Gia Saggar
-Co-Founder , Mindful BuddieZ
]]>Advancements in brain scanning have proven that we can actually change the architecture of the brain. A process called Neurogenesis allows new neurons to be formed within the brain. Growth of key brain regions associated with mindfulness have beneficial results including improved emotional regulation, concentration and self-control. Studies have also shown decreased activity of the Amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the stress response,fear and anxiety.
Understanding that there is capacity for growth within the brain helps explain why mindful training can be beneficial. Given a majority of brain development happens during childhood, it is our belief that exposure to mindfulness at a young age can be beneficial to all children. Awareness of the breath is a simple yet key introduction that can help promote mindful practices within our youth.
The 10 Reasons to Teach Kids Mindfulness:
Numerous studies show THE SCIENCE IS REAL! I hope you will join us in our mission to introduce all children to the concepts of Mindfulness using our fun and relatable stuffed toys.
xx,
Gia Saggar
Co-Founder, Mindful Buddiez
]]>