Chores may not be your child’s favorite thing, but we can use them to learn and teach mindfulness. Studies also show that doing things mindfully, including chores, lowers stress levels.
What does it mean to do a chore mindfully?
It means paying close attention to how things appear and feel – like temperature, texture, sounds, images, smells (ok, maybe not on that one for certain chores).
When we are teaching children about mindfulness with chores, we can focus on the smell of the soap, the texture of the dishes, the warmth or coolness of the water. This creates a better experience of actually enjoying the moment of this concentrated awareness, instead of being distracted and rushing through to get things done.
In essence, the whole experience can be enjoyed more and decrease stress by being more mindful. Not only does this make attitudes better, but it creates a sense of connection.
You can bring this mindfulness habit to separating laundry, raking leaves, even mopping the floor. All these experiences are full of mindful moments if we allow them to be.
The more you help your child practice mindfulness in these areas, the more the skill of mindfulness can extend to all areas of your child’s life.
Mindfulness is like meditation in that we are in the present moment, totally focused.
By taking time to help your child (and yourself) become more mindful, productivity increases because your child is fully focused on the task at hand. Stress is reduced as well because of the singular focus. What is there to worry about when we are only experiencing the smell of the soap and the texture of the laundry?
Even young children can be easily taught the useful skill of separating laundry. In fact, in Montessori schools, it is encouraged because it’s practical and teaches about colors and separating.
Being mindful while doing even simple chores is a way to train the mind to react in positive ways to life situations. When we are not mindful, negative thoughts and stressful thoughts can race in the mind. Mindfulness eliminates that and therefore it’s beneficial to start teaching mindfulness at an early age.
Mindfulness trains the mind to focus and concentrate, reducing the ability of distractions and lowering stress and anxiety levels.
Making mindfulness a part of your child’s life takes a bit of practice, but a simple explanation to your child and gentle reminders here and there help them get the hang of it. Then they will naturally start using mindfulness in other areas of their life, calming their worries and anxieties, and staying present, for a very bright future.