3 Meditations to Help Little Kids Handle Big Emotions: Parents Magazine Featuring Tejal V. Patel

We’ve all had to handle some pretty big emotions in 2020. Gratefully, there are mindfulness experts like Tejal V. Patel to help ground us and give us the resources we need to keep our families feeling their best. Explaining to littles why they have to wear a mask, can’t see their friends like they used to, or why mom or dad suddenly work from the kitchen table and not in the office anymore can be tough!

Photo Credit: tejalvpatel.com

Socially Inspired has had the opportunity to work with a collection of accomplished authors, each sharing their unique stories with the world. Tejal’s extensive experience in Ayurveda, meditation, and mindfulness make her every parent’s secret weapon. She’s relatable, engaging, and more importantly: her advice works!

Even digital-driven mamas like us understand the importance of disconnecting and spending quality, unplugged moments with our families. Tejal’s feature in Parent’s Magazine offers 3 Meditations to Help Little Kids Handle Big Emotions. Here’s a snippet from Parent’s Magazine writer Emily Elveru’s article with Tejal:

There’s no doubt families could use more time to chill, especially now. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anxiety and depression in kids have been on the rise recently. Meditation offers one way to manage difficult emotions. “Just as you require your kids to brush their teeth every day, you can also teach them to ‘brush their brain’ by meditating,” says Tejal V. Patel, author of Meditation for Kids. “I practice a few minutes a day with each of my boys, sometimes on their bed, in the playroom, or in the car.” If your child has big feelings, talk through these ways to calm down.

IF YOUR CHILD FEELS ANGRY

You might explain that their body can feel hot or as if fire is shooting off from the top of their head. To cool down the mind and body, try the Sippin’ Strawberry Smoothie meditation:

1. Imagine you’re holding a cold strawberry smoothie with a long, twirly straw in your hands.

2. Make an O shape with your lips and put the straw in your mouth.

3. Take a long, slow sip through the straw as you inhale: Siiippp.

4. Close your mouth and slowly breathe out through your nose.

5. Take as many sips of the smoothie as you need—you can even close your eyes—until the anger goes away.

Catch the rest of the Parents Magazine feature online right here! Congratulations on such a special feature, Tejal! We’re grateful for your book Meditation For Kids, and for the opportunity to work with you!