MINDFUL KIDS, HAPPY KIDS!
Why should your child practice meditation and mindfulness?
Try the Patience Countdown!
BY JANANI RAVIKUMAR
Is your child impatient? I’ve seen this in my own kids—they want what they want, and they want it now! But how can we help them develop patience?
Look at Srimaa—she’s waiting in line at the playground, fidgeting and crossing her arms. “This is taking forever!” she mutters, feeling frustrated.
Just then, Happy, the mindful genie, appears beside her. He smiles and says, “Let us try the ‘Patience Countdown’ together!”
Happy guides Srimaa:
“Take a deep breath. Now, let’s count down slowly from five:
5… 4… 3… 2… 1…”
Now repeat after me:
“I am patient. I can stay calm. I am loving.”
With each count, she feels her frustration melt away. As she repeats the words over and over again, Srimaa is feeling much more relaxed. She calmly waits her turn and slides down the playground slide—happy and content.
Happy smiles and says, “See? You did it! Patience is a superpower you can grow.”
Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and affirmations help children build patience.
Instead of rushing or feeling frustrated, they learn to pause, breathe, and embrace the moment. Give this ‘Patience Countdown’ a try with your child and see how they grow more calm and patient each day.