Because many adults have difficulty, they doubt a child’s ability for meditation. However, few people realize that the little bundle of joy they carried home from the hospital is actually a human dynamo, possessing of a profound wisdom with a capacity for unparalleled learning and creativity.

Super Kid

The child’s brain is similar to a super sponge that is programmed to acquire certain skills at certain times. Each prime time or ‘window of opportunity’ manifests at a particular age. For instance, sensory development takes place from birth to age five. The window of opportunity for motor development is from birth to age twelve. Language development is most important during the first five years but continues until age ten.

Scientists now know that this brainpower is not genetically determined but depends upon the child’s experiences during these ‘windows of opportunity.’ For maximum brain development the child needs to have a healthy diet, to play, and have interesting, varied experiences. This means that positive and sensitive interaction with parents and caregivers is crucial during the early years. The more the child is nurtured, loved and exposed to varied experiences the more creative, self-actualising, and successful that child will become in adulthood.

In the Theta State

As scientists have now discovered our brains emit waves and these waves can be measured. Based on cycles per second, we emit four types of waves, delta (4 cycles per second); theta (4 to 8 cycles per second; alpha (8 to 12 cycles per second); and beta (12 to 35 cycles per second).  Unless in a deep sleep, most adults operate in the beta state.

However, the ideal state for meditation is the theta state wherein we are able to calm our minds and bodies and enter into the contemplative focus. Since adults spend most of their time in the beta state, they have difficulty switching to the theta. So they tend to assume this is difficult for children. But what many adults do not realize is that children from two to six years old spend a considerable amount of their time already in the theta state.

And children are naturally imaginative. They will grasp the concept of meditation and actually respond better than adults, provided they are properly introduced to this experience. And the meditation experience is important for children since it provides them at an early age with a method for coping with stresses that will materialize later in life.

Don’t Lecture

Adults, who are teaching children to meditate, need to remember they are merely guides and facilitators. This is definitely an area in which they need to guide by example and not by preaching. And the adult should be comfortable with meditation before trying to guide children.

Make it Fun

Adults need to be aware that at all times the meditative experience should be a positive one for the child. Children should never be forced to continue beyond their attention span. They should never be pressured to share their experiences. It is proper to ask the general questions such as if they enjoyed the experience, and if they would like to do it again. But beyond that, respect the child’s privacy.

If the child does choose to share an experience, the adult should listen attentively without being judgmental.

Show Them the Way

The best way to begin the experience with children is simply to start doing this yourself while they watch. When they see you sit quietly with your eyes closed and taking deep breaths, they will be curious. They may come, sit next to you and imitate you. This is fine. However, at some point they will naturally want to know more. This will be an excellent opportunity to bring up meditation. Since why is the young child’s most used vocabulary word, expect to explain why!

Imaginary Place with Imaginary Friends

At this point you can talk about going to a special place, a beautiful place where everything is calm and peaceful. And you can mention that in this beautiful place you will meet a special person who is your spirit guide. You can say that you can talk to your guide about anything and that helps you feel happy and calm.

Don’t hesitate to talk about your spirit guide. Children always have imaginary friends so they understand this concept. Since children learn that adults don’t always understand their imaginary friends, they may not discuss them. But ask your kid a few questions to see if in the child’s mind, these imaginary friends exist. If so, it will be easy for the child to relate to meeting a spirit guide and talking to a spirit guide.

Got Them Hooked

If your children are still interested, you can now invite them to join you. First, suggest they sit quietly as you are doing. Then tell them you are doing the deep breathing and give them time to imitate you. Finally, describe yourself going to your special place. Use a soft gentle calming voice with a rhythmic cadence.

If you have a child who is very hyperactive and has trouble keeping quiet, do not scold him. Remember, you need to be calm, patient and supportive. The next time, just play some quiet, calming music.

A study performed at the Cleveland Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital determined that when children listen to quiet, instrumental music their central nervous system is calmed and stress responses are relieved. This effect can manifest in less than five minutes. If that doesn’t work try different things such as times of day, after playtime, before bed, waking up, etc… to find the best opportunity to meditate.

It’s Good For Us

When you are finished with your meditative experience share the benefits you feel. At the same time, let it be known that each experience can bring different benefits. For instance, you might explain that sometimes meditation relieves your stress and other times it helps you deal with anger. But you always feel better afterward.

You will find that sharing your experience will encourage your child to be open and sharing with you. This will help establish a bond between you that will prove invaluable later on in the teenage years when communication problems normally arise between parents and children.