Meditation Instruction for Children

Meditation is a powerful means for personal growth and is usually a pursuit of adults who are working on their own self-improvement. However, what is good for the adults is also good for children. In fact, it may be even more important for children to practice meditation, as it can be the basis for a happy and successful life. If you have children, then you owe it to them to provide them with the skills and habits that will enable them to realize their full potential. I have experience teaching children to meditate and would like to share it with you in this article.

The first point for teaching your children how to practice meditation is for you to start meditating on a regular basis. The best way to teach to children is by personal example. When your child sees you taking the time to practice meditation on a daily basis, then he or she will understand that it is a good thing. We should never give the message: "Do as I say, but not as I do." So, if you have been irregular or procrastinating with your own personal practice, then you should start doing it before you attempt to teach or "preach" to your children.

The second thing to understand is that children, especially very young children, cannot sit or concentrate for very long periods of time. While you may be able to meditate for 30 minutes, most children are not able to sit still for a long time. So, don't expect or demand your child to meditate for long periods of time. Even if a child can get into the habit of meditating for five minutes, twice a day, on a regular basis, then that is enough.

Once you have understood the basics, it is necessary to choose a simple method that your children can understand and can practice. When I speak about a "child" I generally mean someone who is about five years or older. Children younger than five are normally not yet ready to meditate, and they shouldn't be forced to do it—though they might want to sit for a few seconds with their older siblings and you as a form of "play." These young attempts should not be discouraged but the real efforts at teaching should be focused on children who are five years or older.

So, how should they meditate? A great way to do it is with music. Sing a simple, happy song or chant with your child, and then sit in silence. When you are silent then you and your child should think you are both filled with love and sitting within an ocean of love. The songs preceding meditation can be chosen from books of hymns or inspirational songs. Pick something that corresponds to your own likings and sensibility.

You can help the process by using visualization as well. Tell your child to imagine "we are very light and we are floating on some white clouds, surrounded by brilliant sunshine." Children really try to visualize and create the image in their mind. By doing so, they start to disconnect from the external environment and start focusing within.

When the visualization has been done, then gently direct your child to think of the song that preceded meditation and to feel that he or she is filled with love and surrounded by love.

Meditate together with your child before the evening meal but make sure that your child is not famished or very hungry. If that is the case, then give a light snack first. Meditation should not viewed by the child as a punishment, but rather as something that is fun and joyful. Meditation before school is something that is extremely beneficial to learning and it should be emphasized. If your child's mind is peaceful then he or she will find it easier to learn and absorb knowledge.

It is not difficult for children to learn meditation because their own pure and simple nature is an asset in practicing meditation. So, by all means, start meditating yourself, teach it to your children, and then sit down with them and meditate on the love which is the essence of your being.