5 Must Have Mindfulness Books for Kids to Learn How to be Less Stressed

With so many mindfulness books for kids to choose from, it can become somewhat confusing and overwhelming to pick the best one(s) for your child or teen. That is why I have compiled a list of the 5 must have mindfulness books for your children and/or teens to help them feel calmer and less stressed. These books will help transform and shift your child’s mindset from worrying about the past and future to focusing instead on the here and now.

What is Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a term used for being fully present. To be mindful means you are focusing on the here and now, instead of worrying about the past or future. In other words, mindfulness is learning how to engage in the present moment.

It sounds easy right? Well, the truth is that for many of us, we are rarely focusing on the here and now. We may physically be present, but our minds are either thinking about all we need to be doing next or what we should have done or said. Being mindful, is choosing to tune out those thoughts and instead being completely grounded and focused on the task at hand.

Why Should I Teach my Child about Mindfulness

Unfortunately in today’s world there are so many distractions that take us away from zoning in to the current moment. Children, teens and adults are constantly engaged with smart phones, tablets or computers. With technology so readily available and accessible, rarely do we allow our minds to take a break.

I am sure you, your child or teen have legitimate reasons for being on the phone or a device, which is totally ok, but how much extra time do you spend on a device without even meaning to. In other words, how much of your day is spent on social media, online browsing or simply going down the rabbit hole of watching one quick video after another?

What we do as adults, children see and copy. So in order for our children to practice mindfulness, we need to also practice being mindful. We need to make conscientious efforts to be fully present with our children and not distracted by our devices. One of the reasons it is so important to teach our children about mindfulness and being present is so that when they are upset, they know positive ways to destress and calm down.

As a counselor, I see too often, children and teens using social media as their emotional outlets. Making a post and waiting for reactions, as opposed to calming down and de-stressing in more of a positive, healthy manner. Choosing to engage in a mindful activity to calm down will elicit a much better response than posting a comment or emotion on social media, that they most likely later will regret.

What Age Should you Start Mindfulness

So you may be asking, what age should I begin teaching my child about mindfulness? Honestly, you are never too early to learn about mindfulness! Actually, I believe children are naturals at living in the present moment. If you think back to your childhood, you probably remember the hours of imaginary play. Being fully present in whatever activity you were engaged in, sometimes so much so that you didn’t hear your mom or dad calling your name! Since children are already good at being present, teaching them about mindfulness at an early age, gives them the tools they need to use when they become stressed or overwhelmed at later ages. If we teach children about mindfulness before they truly know what it feels like to be stressed, then they will be more inclined to use these skills when they are stressed or overwhelmed.

The incredible thing about children, is that they are naturals at being mindful. We are just there to help guide them in understanding how being mindful can help them calm down when they are worried or nervous. A perfect way to teach your children and teens about mindfulness is through books. Once your child(ren) learn what mindfulness is, then you can incorporate mindful activities into their day, such as meditation or going for a mindful walk. Check out these great posts for inspiration on ways to engage children in mindful activities: How to Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine and The Best Summertime Mindfulness Activities.

5 Must Have Mindfulness Books for Kids

The goal for any mindfulness activity is to focus on the here and now. Reading a book provides your mind with an opportunity to escape from planning and worrying. With reading you get to slow down, cozy up and get lost in a good book! Here are 5 Must Have Mindfulness Books for your kids to get them ready for the mindful “mind-shift.”

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links for your shopping convenience. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• #1 – Great Mindfulness Book for PRESCHOOLERS

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness (I Am Books)

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• #2 – Best Mindfulness Book for KIDS

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles

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• #3 – Wonderful Mindfulness Book for TEENAGERS!

Superpowered: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience

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• #4 – Interactive Growth Mindset Book for Children ages 6-12

Happy Mindset Little Journal: Kids Interactive Journal Prompts and Daily Activities to Help Children Develop a Growth Mindset. Colorful, Self-Learning and Fun! (Ages 6-12)

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• #5 – Interactive Growth Mindset Book for Teens

Big Life Journal – Teen Edition: A Growth Mindset Journal – Interactive Journal for Teens with Writing Prompts – Journal for Teens & Tweens – Inspirational Goal Planner Guided Journal

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Want More? Check out these RELATED Posts

• How to Take a Mindful Break
• The Best Summertime Mindfulness Activities
• How to Relax with 3 Outdoor Mindfulness Activities
• How to Make a VISION BOARD

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