Mindfulness is a simple practice that helps bring your attention to the present moment. For children, it’s especially useful: it gives them tools to manage emotions, focus better, grow empathy and compassion, and feel happier. I’ve gathered some of my favorite books and resources that are great for introducing kids to mindfulness and encouraging regular practice.
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I’ve practiced mindfulness for several years, but in 2021 I dove deeper—expanded my own practice and recently completed mindfulness teacher training. I’m excited to share this wonderful practice with others and show simple ways to bring it into everyday life.
Why Teach Kids Mindfulness?
Learning mindfulness early gives kids skills they can use for life. Habits formed young tend to shape future behavior. Mindfulness helps nurture kindness, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and calm. It also exercises the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the area that helps with focus and self-control. Practicing mindfulness strengthens the pathways related to attention, self-regulation, and decision-making.
Mindfulness can lower stress and increase well-being for both children and adults. It helps kids stay present without judgment, which is useful as they navigate strong emotions and new experiences. Being more aware of their thoughts and feelings helps children communicate more clearly, react less impulsively, listen better, and build healthier relationships.
How Do Children Learn Mindfulness?
One of the best ways children learn mindfulness is by watching you. Kids copy adults all the time, so modeling mindful behavior and having a personal practice is the most effective teaching. I’ve shared practical ways to add mindfulness into daily routines (on Zulily’s blog), and many of those ideas can easily be adapted for kids.
Below are some of my favorite books, tools, and resources that make teaching mindfulness to children easier and more fun.
14 of the Best Mindfulness Books & Tools for Kids:
I Am Peace
From the creators of I Am Yoga and I Am Love, this gentle book invites children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present. It includes a guided meditation and encourages calm and awareness.
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
Alphabreaths teaches the ABCs and mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Heart Breath connect kids with nature and gratitude. Simple, fun, and beautifully illustrated—great for introducing breath awareness.
I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids
This book introduces mindful affirmations to support and encourage children when things get tough. It celebrates diversity and is a wonderful addition to any home or school social-emotional library.
The Breathing Book
The Breathing Book guides young readers through breathing practices and engaging activities to calm the mind, set positive intentions, and boost creativity. With simple instructions and charming illustrations, kids bring the practices to life by breathing, balancing the book, tracing shapes, reframing thoughts, and sending kind wishes to others.
A Handful Of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
Developed by Thich Nhat Hanh, A Handful of Quiet teaches pebble meditation—a hands-on, creative practice that connects children with nature. Pebble meditation can reduce stress, increase focus, build gratitude, and help kids handle strong emotions.
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
From bestselling author Nick Ortner, this picture book helps children find calm through mindful breathing. In a busy world, My Magic Breath guides kids toward balance, self-awareness, and peaceful moments.
ABC Mindful Me
A fun read for the whole family, ABC Mindful Me teaches toddlers their ABCs while introducing mindfulness themes like breathing, compassion, gratitude, and kindness.
Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids
This book offers simple mindfulness practices for children ages 5–12 to help with anxiety, concentration, and strong emotions. It includes a 60-minute audio CD of guided exercises read by Myla Kabat-Zinn.
Listening to My Body
This interactive book helps children name feelings and notice the physical sensations that come with them—from wiggly and squirmy to still and rested. It builds a sensations vocabulary and includes kid-friendly mindfulness activities, making it a great tool for parents, counselors, and teachers.
I Am Yoga
Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and author Susan Verde invite children to explore yoga, creativity, and self-expression. I Am Yoga encourages kids to discover mindfulness and open their hearts to the world.
Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
Breathe Like a Bear is a lovely collection of short mindfulness exercises that teach kids how to manage their bodies, breath, and emotions. The 30 simple practices can be used anywhere—on car rides, during busy nights, or at school.
Mindfulness Tools for Kids:
Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids
Mindful Moments introduces kids to mindfulness with interactive exercises and empowering mantras. The practices help increase emotional intelligence, improve focus, build resilience, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of calm and connection. These exercises are easy to add to a calming bedtime routine or use anytime your child needs grounding. Available for purchase.
Mindfulness Journal for Kids
This journal is full of writing prompts, easy exercises, and uplifting quotes that make mindfulness fun and accessible for kids. It’s a handy tool for regular practice.
Mindful Maze Boards
These sensory maze boards help calm and refocus through finger tracing, which also supports breath pacing. The set includes three double-sided mindful maze boards for hands-on mindfulness practice.
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