Meditation for kids: 4 methods to try

With rates of childhood depression and anxiety on the rise, Victoria general practitioner Kim Foster sees meditation as a way to teach kids healthy coping and relaxation skills. “Research shows that meditation can improve a child’s attention and psychological functioning,” Foster says.

Toronto teacher Kat Osen has incorporated meditation into classes from kindergarten to grade nine. “It gives students a ‘brain break,’” she explains. “They can relax and refocus their minds.” Osen has noticed that some kids who suffer from anxiety become more relaxed after meditations, and that students are often able to better organize their thoughts and work with less support.

Turn on instrumental music and lie down on the floor with your child. Ask her to put her hands on her tummy and just focus on her breath and the sound of the music.

After your usual evening routine, lie in bed and listen together.

(Find info and kid-friendly downloads at kidsmeditationcds.net.)

Seated or lying down, ask your child to take slow, deep breaths, bringing his attention to each area of his body from head to toe, and imagining that area relaxing.

Sign them up for a kids’ yoga class — or join as a family — to learn how to breathe and connect with the body.