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After more than a year of ups and downs, both kids and parents are feeling the effects of this global pandemic. Many are feeling stressed and looking to incorporate a little bit of zen into their daily routines. Getting enough fresh air, exercise and proper nutrition are key to a healthy mindset, but finding ways to combat stress and anxiety — like listening to meditation and mindfulness podcasts for kids — can provide your child with the tools necessary to navigate the everyday challenges of life, through adolescence and into adulthood.
According to research by the National Institutes of Health, approximately 35 percent of American children suffer from health problems directly related to stress. Because stress during childhood can contribute to physical, mental, and social problems, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents and teachers provide opportunities to incorporate meditation for kids and mindfulness training at home and school.
The APA also recommends limiting meditation sessions for preschoolers to just a few minutes per day, while most upper elementary-aged children can handle a meditation session of up to 10 minutes, twice a day. The following podcasts for kids are ideal for young children within these age ranges.
Kid-friendly mindfulness meditation podcasts
Meditation can help improve children's focus and attention. Also, providing opportunities for meditation may have an affect on child's sleep schedule, school performance, instances of depression and anxiety levels.
1. If your child's school doesn't offer meditation opportunities, consider incorporating mindfulness podcasts for kids regularly at home.
Cortney S. is a homeschooling mom of two young children and a proponent of meditation for kids. "We really like one called Meditation for Kids, Guided Imagery Adventures by New Horizons Holistic Centre," she told Mom.com. Guided Imagery Adventures is just one title by the organization, there are several options available for a variety of interests and situations.
2. Big Life Journal has been providing growth mindset and mindfulness resources for young children for over four years.
The Big Life Kids podcast follows Zara and Leo around the world as they learn about people making a difference in the world. Episodes correspond to each chapter in the second edition of the companion Big Life Journal.
Podcasts for kids with guided meditations
Ali Smith is the co-founder of the Holistic Life Foundation. Her organization offers after-school enrichment programs focused on meditation and teaching mindfulness to young children. “It does a lot for self-regulation,” she explained in a Forbes interview discussing the benefits of meditation. “Kids that are really impulsive can learn to develop that pause between stimulus and reaction. Then you have the skills to realize when you’re angry when you feel stress arising. And you have the skills to de-escalate yourself.”
3. It can be challenging teaching big social and emotional topics to children.
The Little Kids, Big Hearts podcasts does just that as it focuses on friendship, identity, empathy, and standing up for what's right.
4. Guided meditations are perfect for those moments when your child just needs a few minutes to regroup and refocus.
Be Calm on Ahway Island begins with a relaxing guided meditation and engaging but soothing story weaved in.
Best sleep meditation podcasts for kids
Meditation for kids can be especially helpful right before bed. It often takes children time to wind down and relax, so try creating a relaxing bedtime transition with a kids' podcast before lights out.
5. Build positive sleeping habits with a bedtime sleep meditation podcast for kids.
If your child has difficulty shutting down at night, the Sleepy Time podcast includes a variety of exercises and meditations for children between the ages of two and eight.
6. Not every child will be receptive to the idea of sitting still to listen to a sleep meditation podcast.
Consider relaxing stories that help foster a sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. There are a few options in terms of podcasts for kids who love to listen to meaningful stories. The Calm Kids podcast for kids is written from the perspective of the child and will help your child relax and settle in for the night.
7. Offer your child tools to help children navigate a difficult and challenging world.
Sparkle Stories podcasts for kids promote values like respect, empathy, and kindness. They also do double duty as bedtime stories and sleep meditation as they're recorded at a slow and relaxing pace.
