Not Just for Adults: Why Meditation Belongs in Children’s Mental Health Care
When people think of meditation, they often picture adults sitting in silence, eyes closed, trying to manage stress or find inner peace. But what if we told you that meditation isn’t just for grown-ups?
As someone studying developmental psychology and conducting research on meditation, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these practices can be when thoughtfully adapted for young minds.
Why Kids Need Support Too
Children experience big feelings, just like adults do. Anxiety, sadness, sensory overload, grief, and social stressors all impact their nervous systems and sense of safety in the world. But unlike adults, children don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling.
That’s where meditation can come in: not to "fix" those feelings, but to help children pause, notice what’s going on inside, and develop tools to self-regulate in gentle, age-appropriate ways.
How Meditation Helps Kids
Here are just a few of the mental health benefits meditation can offer children:
Emotional regulation: Learning to slow down, name emotions, and respond rather than react.
Increased focus: Mindful attention practices can support learning and classroom participation.
Sleep support: Calming breathwork or guided imagery before bed can ease the transition to sleep.
Reduced anxiety: Grounding tools can help kids feel safer in their bodies during moments of distress.
Self-compassion: Meditation nurtures an inner voice that is kind rather than critical
What Meditation for Children Actually Looks Like
Meditation with kids doesn’t mean sitting still for 20 minutes (unless they want to!). It can look like:
Breathing with a stuffed animal on their belly
Listening to a short story with calming music
Using their five senses to "notice what's around me"
Whispering a mantra like "I am safe," "I am loved," or "This feeling will pass"
The key is creating a space that feels safe, creative, and non-judgmental.
Tips for Parents, Educators, and Helpers
If you're curious about trying meditation with a child in your life, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Keep it short and sweet: 5 minutes is plenty to start with!
Make it playful: Think of it as exploration, not perfection.
Validate feelings: Meditation is not about avoiding emotions, but noticing them with care.
Practice together: Kids love modeling. If they see you do it, they’ll be more open to it too.
Use stories and visuals: Guided imagery can be incredibly effective for children.
Meditation is for Everyone
Meditation is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s a flexible, accessible tool that can help children build emotional resilience, deepen self-awareness, and develop inner calm.
At New Moon Counselling, we believe mental health care for children should include space for breath, movement, creativity, and rest. That’s why we incorporate grounding and mindful techniques into our child and youth work where appropriate.
Because yes — kids have big feelings. But they also have a big capacity for healing.
Want to learn more about how meditation or therapy can support your child’s emotional well-being? Click here to book a free virtual consultation. We’re here to help!
Written by: Shefali Bhalla Developmental Psychology Student & Admin Assistant
Shefali is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, where her research focuses on emotional well-being, meditation, and grief support in children.