Developing Mindfulness In Young Children

A timely book to encourage teaching of mindfulness to children and educating our next generations to be responsible citizens in an increasingly anxious and uncertain world ripped apart by hatred and violence.

The author Shanti Hyacinth Senadeera (left) is a Sri Lankan born Australian early childhood education teacher with 35 years of experience in Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Australia. “At the beginning, I used breathing exercises in my class to help transition the childrens’ mindset from morning to afternoon play sessions. It was difficult at the beginning as the children were very young, but their ability to concentrate and focus on their breathing gradually improved,” recalls Senadeera in the preface to the book.

Senadeera says that through her experience with young children, she has observed that developing mindfulness through meditation could assist them to deal with their emotions, mental stress and behavioural problems as well as develop patience and calmness. Patience and calmness among people is a rare quality in today’s world. Thus, this is a book, or more a guide, for parents, teachers and caregivers to understand the fundamentals of mindfulness practice and its application into guiding young minds into the practice.

Written by Shanti Hyacinth Senadeera