63 Mindfulness Quotes for Kids: Words to Teach Calm & Focus

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Teaching children the value of mindfulness from an early age is essential in helping them develop essential life skills, such as emotional intelligence, stress management, and increased focus. One effective way to introduce this concept is through the use of mindfulness quotes for kids. These quotes encourage youngsters to pause, reflect, and engage with the present moment, fostering personal growth and enhancing overall well-being.

Numerous studies highlight the benefits of teaching mindfulness to children, pointing to improved mental health, academic performance, and social skills. With the vast array of mindfulness quotes available, it becomes easier for parents, educators, and guardians to incorporate such teachings into daily conversations, activities, and routines.

As kids learn to grasp and apply the wisdom shared in these mindfulness quotes, they become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and experiences with resilience and adaptability. Additionally, these quotes inspire a greater sense of understanding and empathy, nurturing children’s relationships with others and fostering a healthy mindset for their future endeavors.

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Understanding Mindfulness for Kids

Concepts of Mindfulness

Mindfulness for kids involves teaching them to focus their attention on the present moment, accepting it without judgment. Some concepts that help children grasp mindfulness are conscious breathing, which promotes calmness, and understanding the impermanence of their thoughts and emotions. For example, Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Importance of Practice

It is important for kids to practice mindfulness regularly, as it helps them develop a sense of self-control and awareness. One well-known mindfulness quote by Sharon Salzberg emphasizes this: “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” 

By incorporating mindfulness activities into their daily lives, children can learn to manage stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These mindful activities may include:

• Mindful breathing
• Body awareness and relaxation
• Guided meditation
• Mindful movement (e.g., yoga)

Benefits for Kids

The practice of mindfulness comes with numerous benefits for kids, such as:

1. Improved focus and attention: Mindfulness helps children concentrate better in school and stay present during activities, reducing distractions.
2. Emotional regulation: By observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment, kids learn to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
3. Stress reduction: Practicing mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing, can help children manage stress and anxiety in a healthy way.
4. Compassion development: As they become more aware of their own emotions, children can better empathize with others, promoting kindness. The Dalai Lama’s quote reminds us of this: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

By introducing children to mindfulness concepts and encouraging regular practice, parents and educators can help them build essential life skills, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a more compassionate attitude.

Key Principles of Mindfulness for Children

Be in the Present Moment

Children can greatly benefit from learning about mindfulness, which emphasizes focusing on the present moment. When kids are encouraged to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in real time, they become better at managing emotions and making decisions based on their authentic experiences. 

Awareness and Attention

An essential component of mindfulness for children is fostering their awareness of and attention to their internal and external experiences. By nurturing this consciousness, kids learn to recognize and understand different emotions and sensations. They can then react to these experiences in a self-aware and purposeful manner.

Some quotes for kids about mindfulness focus on the importance of awareness and attention, highlighting their role in happiness and compassion.

Breath and Calm

Breathing can be a powerful anchor to achieve a sense of calm when practicing mindfulness. Teaching children to focus on their breath helps them develop the ability to control their emotions and bring their attention back to the present moment.

Techniques such as deep breathing exercises and paying attention to their breath are simple and effective ways to introduce children to mindfulness. Breathing exercises specifically designed for kids can help them find more calm, compassion, and joy in daily life.

In summary, incorporating these key principles of mindfulness for children – present moment awareness, attention to internal and external experiences, and focusing on breath for calm – can improve their emotional well-being, decision-making, and overall happiness. Using friendly language and relatable quotes can make these concepts more accessible and engaging for young minds.

Famous Mindfulness Quotes and Their Significance

In this section, we will explore some famous mindfulness quotes from renowned spiritual leaders and their significance in helping children develop a mindful and compassionate approach to life.

Quotes from Buddha

The Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is a key figure in mindfulness teachings. His quotes can help children understand the importance of living in the present and cultivating mindfulness:

1. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – This quote emphasizes the importance of being present and not getting caught up in past regrets or future worries.
2. “The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – This quote from the Buddha reminds children to be aware of their thoughts, as thoughts shape our reality and who we become.

Quotes from Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, has written extensively on mindfulness and living in the present moment. His quotes can inspire children to develop mindfulness in their daily lives:

1. “When you love someone, the best thing you can offer them is your presence.” – This quote encourages children to be present and attentive when interacting with others.
2. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” – Thich Nhat Hanh reminds children that feelings are temporary, and by focusing on their breath, they can find stability and calm.
3. “Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity.” – Thich Nhat Hanh, adapted for children.

Quotes from Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American professor, and meditation teacher is known for his work on mindfulness-based stress reduction. His quotes can help children learn to manage stress and cultivate mindfulness:

1. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – This quote teaches children that they cannot always control external events, but they can learn to adapt and navigate them with mindfulness.
2. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.” – Kabat-Zinn highlights the importance of being attentive and fully experiencing each moment.

Quotes from Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön, an American Buddhist nun, offers valuable insights on mindfulness and navigating emotions. Her quotes can teach children about self-compassion and dealing with challenging emotions:

1. “It isn’t the things that happen to us in our lives that cause us to suffer, it’s how we relate to the things that happen to us that causes us to suffer.” – This quote reminds children that their suffering comes from their reaction to events, not the events themselves.
2. “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.” – Pema Chödrön’s quote helps children to understand that their true nature is like the sky – vast and unchanged, while their emotions and experiences are temporary, like changing weather patterns.

These famous mindfulness quotes serve as valuable tools to teach children mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience in a simple and relatable way.

Top Mindfulness Quotes for Kids

Mindfulness is an essential skill for kids to develop, as it helps them manage stress, develop focus, and maintain a sense of calm in everyday life. Sharing mindfulness quotes for kids can spark meaningful conversations and help them cultivate a mindfulness practice.

Quotes on Focus and Concentration

Introducing kids to quotes revolving around focus and concentration can motivate them to develop a stronger sense of presence in the moment. Some inspiring quotes include:

1. “Our life is shaped by our mind, for we become what we think.” – Buddha
2. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
3. “In this moment, there is plenty of time. In this moment, you are precisely as you should be. In this moment, there is infinite possibility.” – Unknown
4. “When we manage to stay present and focused in the moment, we start to experience the full richness and depth of our lives.” – Eline Snel
5. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” – Aristotle
6. “We have only now, only this single eternal moment opening and unfolding before us, day and night.” – Jack Kornfield
7. Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It is a way of entering into the quiet that is already there.” – Deepak Chopra
8. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha
9. “Meditation is not just blissing out under a mango tree. It completely changes your brain and therefore changes what you are.” – Matthieu Ricard
10. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Aurelius

Quotes on Calmness and Breathing

Teaching kids about calmness and the importance of breath can empower them to manage their emotions and stay composed during challenging situations. Here are some quotes to help them understand the power of staying calm and focusing on their breath:

1. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult; we just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
2. ​“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” – Sakyong Mipham
3. ​“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy
4. “Be happy in the moment. That is enough.” – Mother Teresa
5. ​”Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.” – Buddha
6. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
7. “Breathe and let be.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
8. ​“Mindfulness helps us to live in harmony with our thoughts, words, and actions.” – Amit Ray
9. ​“The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.” – Tara Brach

Quotes on Gratitude and Compassion

Cultivating gratitude and compassion in children can help them grow into empathetic and kind-hearted individuals. Share these quotes with the little ones to inspire a compassionate and grateful mindset:

1. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama
2. “Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts.” – Pema Chödrön
3. ​”Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” – Jesse Jackson
4. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
5. “Your actions are your only true belongings.” – Allan Lokos
6. “Always stop to think whether your fun may be the cause of another’s unhappiness.” – Aesop

Quotes on Kindness to Self and Others

Recognizing that kindness can not only affect the lives of others, but our own lives, is a powerful tool. Here are some of our favorite quotes on the most precious gift of all: kindness.

1. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
2. “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
3. “If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction.” – Martin Kornfield
4. ​“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.” – Princess Diana
5. “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up” – Booker T. Washington
6. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
7. ​”Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu
8. ”You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

More Mindfulness Quotes for Kids That We Love

1. “If you get tired, learn to rest not to quit.” – Banksy
2. “Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength, not weakness.” – Charlie Mackesy
3. ​“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely!” – Roald Dahl
4. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
5. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
6. “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” – Eckhart Tolle
7. “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse
8. “Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.” – Robin S. Sharma
9. “Don’t let the noise of others opinion drown out your own inner voice” – Steve Jobs
10. ​“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” – Dolly Parton
11. ​“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin
12. “Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated that that. It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it. ” – Sylvia Boorstein
13. “Only you can control your future.” – Dr. Seuss
14. “Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else.” – Shunryu Suzuki
15. “Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life.” – Buddha
16. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
17. “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
18. “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – The Emperor from Mulan
19. “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.” – William Arthur Ward
20. “Gratitude and attitude are not challenges, they are choices.” – Robert Braathe
21. “Happiness can always be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore

And finally, one of my personal favorites: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote isn’t explicitly about mindfulness, but it embodies mindfulness principles by encouraging presence in the moment and non-judgmental acceptance of past actions.)

By sharing these mindfulness quotes with kids, parents and educators can provide them with tools to improve their focus, stay calm, and develop an attitude of gratitude and compassion.

Practical Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids

Incorporating mindfulness into a child’s routine can help them manage stress, build self-esteem, and approach challenges with a healthy mindset. Here are some practical ways to teach mindfulness to kids:

Mindfulness Activities

• Breathing exercises: Encourage children to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. Slow deep breaths, then regular breaths. Teach them to return their attention to their breath when their mind wanders.
• Gratitude practice: Help kids develop an attitude of gratitude by setting aside time each day for them to list three things they are thankful for.
• Mindful eating: Teach children to savor their food by eating slowly and paying attention to the taste, texture, and smell of each bite.
• Nature walks: Encourage kids to take walks in nature and pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around them. Fresh air, the blue sky, and sunlight are all good things that support a calm mind!

Mindfulness Exercises

• Body scan: Guide children through a body scan meditation, where they focus on each part of their body and notice any sensations, tension, or relaxation.
• Five senses exercise: Ask kids to identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste to help them become more present in the current moment.
• Mindful movement: Promote mindfulness through activities like yoga and tai chi, which help children become more aware of their bodies and emotions.

Using Quotes in Daily Routine

Integrating mindfulness quotes into a child’s daily routine can provide a gentle reminder of the importance of mindfulness and help nurture their mental wellbeing. Some examples include:

• “Wherever you go, there you are.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
• “Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.” – Robin S. Sharma
• “Your actions are your only true belongings.” – Allan Lokos

Display these quotes on a wall (I like to pin them to the pantry door so they are sure to be seen!), include them in a daily conversation, or even use them as journal prompts for reflection.

Remember to keep the mindfulness activities, exercises, and quotes age-appropriate and always encourage open discussion and sharing of feelings.

Additional Resources for Parents and Teachers

Books on Mindfulness for Kids

There are several books available that focus on teaching mindfulness to children. These books can be a great resource for parents and teachers seeking to introduce mindfulness practices to young ones. A few popular options include:

• Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents) by Eline Snel
• A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm by Whitney Stewart

These books provide engaging, age-appropriate exercises and activities to help children develop mindfulness skills.

Guided Meditation Apps

Guided meditation apps can be a helpful tool for introducing children to mindfulness meditation. Some popular apps for kids include:

• Headspace for Kids
• Meditation for Kids
• Calm Kids

These apps offer guided meditation sessions tailored for children, making it easy for them to focus and relax during mindfulness practice.

Websites and Blogs

Several websites and blogs offer resources on mindfulness for kids, including tips, activities, and lesson plans. A few notable sites are:

• The New York Times Well Guides: Mindfulness for Children
• Mindful.org: Mindfulness for Kids
• PositivePsychology.com: Mindfulness Games, Worksheets, and Activities for Kids

These sites provide parents and teachers with the tools they need to help their children develop mindfulness skills, promoting a greater sense of calm, focus, and well-being.