Calm Kids are Happy Kids

I have recently started teaching a kids mindfulness and yoga program in Aylmer, Ontario on Monday evenings, and I have been witnessing such beautiful moments that I hope encourage every parent to realize that a little mindfulness truly goes a long way.

As an Educational Assistant for the past eleven years, I have noticed that more and more children are lacking the tools to calm their bodies and minds. This is not a reflection on parenting, but rather a reflection of society as a whole. Our lives have become so dependent on constant stimulation. Not in the sense of having too many physical things, but in always needing our minds to be busy. We fill our space with music, podcasts, and background noise. We scroll endlessly through our phones, watch videos, and consume content without pause. Children especially are drawn to YouTube videos and the constant stream of ads and stimulation.

We are living in a world where our minds rarely experience quiet. We are not taught how to still them until our emotions become so overwhelming that it feels nearly impossible to bring ourselves back to a place of calm. This is where my passion has deepened and where I realized that creating a mindfulness program for children in the Aylmer community is more important than ever.

Through simple and creative breathwork techniques designed specifically for children, we can begin to teach them how to pause. One example I love is asking them to imagine holding a warm cup of hot cocoa. They feel it in their hands, smell it gently, and then blow on it to cool it down. This small and playful exercise encourages children to engage their imagination while also learning how to slow their breathing, even if only for a moment. These small moments help reset their nervous systems. What a beautiful gift it is to offer a child the ability to return to calm by simply taking a few mindful breaths.

I recently read an article published by the Mayo Clinic that highlighted how mindfulness exercises for children can support emotional regulation, as well as help with trauma, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. When children learn how to slow their minds and control their breathing, they are more likely to open up and communicate with the trusted adults in their lives about what they are experiencing. With stronger coping strategies, they can begin to navigate big emotions without becoming overwhelmed, allowing space for creative thinking and problem solving.

This is why I truly love mindfulness.

Within my program, I also incorporate yoga poses using cards and hands on tools, while encouraging children to use their imagination. I might ask them what their favorite animal is and how they think that animal would move. This opens the door for creativity and allows them to connect movement with imagination in a fun and meaningful way.

We also take time to move and dance, giving them the opportunity to release energy, while gently introducing structure into their experience. Sitting criss cross and practicing listening skills becomes just as important. We pause to notice the sounds around us, especially when we are outdoors, tuning into the world in a way that many of us have forgotten. There is something so special about observing how children interpret their surroundings and how differently they experience the world compared to adults.

We always end our class with a new breathing technique that they can take home and practice. Some of our favorites include crab breaths, unicorn breathing, and candle breathing. Each child also receives a coloring page that connects to the breathing technique, giving them something tangible to continue their practice beyond our time together.

To wrap it all up, calm kids are happy kids. If your child is feeling a little disconnected or has extra energy they are not sure how to manage, I would love to connect with you. A little mindfulness and yoga might be exactly what they need.

Namaste, with light and love,

Jackalynn Westman 200 hour RYT, CEO of Water Lilly Holistic Healing