Children have many inherent, natural gifts and skills, from which we can all learn. One of them is the consistent ability to be present in the moment.

If you watch children in their element - whether on the playground, absorbed in a book, or creating art - you'll notice them being fully immersed in an experience called mindfulness. It is the ability to be aware of our environment and surroundings without becoming overwhelmed. With practice and patience, mindfulness is a state of mind that will come more easily and will feel seamlessly integrated into your daily life.

The Positive Benefit of Mindfulness

Just like when kids are present in the moment, there is a certain peace and sense of wonder that is ignited by allowing yourself to immerse yourself in a sliver of time. When we are fully present in the moment, we can awaken the senses and experience the fullness of our mental, emotional, and physical capacities. Mindfulness teaches us to suspend judgment of thought or action and to embrace the essence of discovery, playfulness, and self-reflection.

There isn’t one right path to arousing and immersing yourself into mindfulness. Many people experiment with a variety of practices such as meditation, yoga, or journaling. But mindfulness can also be achieved during any time and space in which you feel most focused, at peace, alive, and joyful.

Based on multiple studies and research on mindfulness, the practice has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus, improve memory, and help regulate emotion. These clearly remarkable benefits can aid adults and children and can make day-to-day living more manageable.

How the Business World Can Benefit from Mindfulness

When it comes to the success of an entrepreneur, mindfulness can play an important role in how this success is sustained. Harnessing the “power of the pause” can help an entrepreneur better prepare and engage in the fast-paced and dynamic world of business.

It’s a well-known fact that confidence is a key factor in a child’s ability to pursue their passions and dreams. When children feel confident in their capacity to adapt to change, cultivate resilience, and navigate stressful situations, they can make great strides in their Kidpreneur journey. Encouraging mindfulness and exposing kids to ways they can slow down and take in the world will help instill life skills that are vital in launching and growing a business.

Allowing children to learn how to “roll with the punches” and remain level-headed in the face of adversity will equip them with extra determination to make it in the professional world.

Customers and clients can sense when a business is operating from a central foundation of mindfulness, which often leads to more loyalty and business. By incorporating mindfulness into a Kidpreneur’s business - through a consistent focus on the company’s vision, mission, and guiding principles - the entire business becomes mindful.

A mindful business is one that cares about local and global communities and believes in ethical business practices. In addition, when a business and its key team members operate with mindfulness and integrity, the wellness of the business and its customers are equally considered.

Key Steps for Practicing Mindfulness in a Child’s Business

Being present and tuned into awareness is a practice in which parents can help guide their children. It will provide kids with more clarity for their business venture. Below are some simple ways in which you can aid your child’s journey into consistent mindfulness.

As children incorporate some of these routines and ideas into their daily lives, they will become much more adept at establishing a foundation of mindfulness in all areas of their lives.

Mindfulness is an Experience

The wisdom and insights gleaned from being perceptive and present are princess. And mindfulness doesn’t have to just to be about meditation, although that’s a simple and effective place to start.

Begin by carving out time to allow your children to experience these moments of true presence. Ensure they have some less-structured days that will encourage self-expression and activities that engage that sense of curiosity. Examples of this could be making sure kids have a quiet space to read, write in a journal, do yoga, draw, or just play without set rules. Some people feel most mindful when they play a favorite instrument, sing, or take in the beauty of nature.

Make mindful moments part of your daily routine!

Techniques, Activities, and Exercises for Mindfulness

Powerful, in-the-moment exercises for harnessing mindfulness can be especially helpful for children. To welcome calmness and dissipate anger, kids often benefit from learning simple, effective deep-breathing techniques. There are numerous games and apps that tie fun and breathing exercises together for a more engaging experience.

Guided visualizations or affirmations can also be useful when moments of stillness and clarity are needed. These can help clear the mind and loosen any resistance. Affirmations can be read by a parent or by the child or can be listened to on a computer or mobile app. Some even offer soothing music and storytelling to hold a child’s interest.

Ask your child what techniques work best for them and why, and remain open to learning together.

Expose Kids to Real-Life Lessons of Mindfulness

Finally, few lessons are as powerful and long-lasting as providing real-life, real-time examples to children. Kids will appreciate it when you notice them successfully practicing mindfulness. This encourages them and makes them feel valued. Celebrate these moments!

If you see an example of another child, or adult, who demonstrates excellent mindfulness, consider pointing them out to your child. Ask them what they notice about the person or the interaction and what they could learn from it. Discuss what behavior or technique you felt made a powerful impact to their business or their interaction.

The best thing about mindfulness is that it’s completely free and accessible to anyone, regardless of age. It’s also portable, which makes it a convenient and powerful technique whether at home or on-the-go. Mindful Kidpreneurship can be a compelling way to create a rewarding and fulfilling business for a child. And mindfulness can instill lifelong skills that your children can utilize, beginning today - ones that will make their futures brighter and their minds more receptive to creativity and happiness.