There’s a lot going on right now for both kids and adults. Many parents are suddenly working from home, kids are stuck inside, and social distancing is here to stay for at least the next few weeks. This can all be very stressful especially for young children who don’t always have the skills to express how this all is impacting them. 

Brain breaks are a popular tool among parents and educators as an effective way for kids to relax, reduce stress, build self-esteem, and regain focus. Carve out a little bit of time each day for one of these easy and fun brain breaks that can be done as a whole family.

Get Kids (and Adults) Moving

• Walk, Run, Ride Around Your Neighborhood

  • Research has shown that “kids who spend more time outside have better health and social functioning” skills, so try to make it a daily goal (weather dependent) on getting outside for at least 10 minutes each day.

• Watch a Kid-Friendly YouTube Movement Channel

  • GoNoodle videos get kids moving to the strongest, bravest, silliest, “bestest” selves.

  • 20 Online is a fun 20-minute kids exercise routine includes lots of engaging moves to burn off energy and stay fit.

  • Jack Hartmann is popular among parents and kids alike, these educational videos help children learn counting, numbers, reading and language skills, science, physical fitness, dance, and movement. Children actively participate in all the learning with lots of movement and fun.

  • The Learning Station is full of learning fun and educational videos for children brimming with active participation.  These videos are filled with active participation, brain breaks for kids, learning videos, action songs, and the very popular move and freeze dance songs for children.

Practice Yoga

• Born Yoga, Downpup Yoga, and Nature’s Playhouse are all LOCAL family yoga studios that are offering free/low-cost virtual yoga classes! Please consider donating or purchasing gift cards from these local businesses as a thank you for this amazing service they are providing to our community.

• Yoga Cards. Our family has been using these fun yoga cards since my little one was a toddler. They include 50 different yoga activities with easy to understand visuals that help even the youngest yogi bend and move.

• Cosmic Kids Yoga is a popular YouTube channel is full of yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation videos for kids. Interactive adventures build strength, balance, and confidence – and get kids into yoga from an early age.

Meditate as a Family 

Meditation helps to rest the mind, body, and spirit. Research has shown that it helps kids with ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep, and behavior problems. For younger children, start with just one minute of silence and build up from there based on age. Or have your little grab their favorite stuffed buddy and try this “Rock-a-Bye” Meditation video that is easy and engaging.

Practice Mindfulness 

Mindfulness is as simple as paying full attention to something. It involves slowing down, taking your time, and focusing in a relaxed way. While the definition is simple, the act isn’t quite as easy for kids. There are many fabulous children’s books out there that teach mindfulness or you can try one of these fun tools to introduce mindfulness to your kids. 

• Mindful School is the nationwide leader in teaching educators the practice of mindfulness and how to build it into school’s daily curriculum. For the next few weeks, Mindful Schools will be offering free mindfulness classes for kids! Sign up online for access to weekly mindful activities, mindful movements, and read-alouds.

• Try Mindful Kids Cards. This boxed card deck includes 50 creative mindfulness games, visualizations, and exercises divided into 5 categories to help children feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness and relax. Whimsical full-color illustrations on both sides of the cards break down each practice into easy-to-follow steps.

Play a Brain Break Game (Free Printables)

The creator of Teaching Mama shares fun, free printables that give children the chance to move their bodies and release energy in a silly, active way. In my house, we especially love the Movement Freeze Song which reinforces good listening skills and includes some hilarious moves.

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