A Mindfulness Practice for Families
This exercise helps you engage in calm co-regulation with a very young child.
- Start by taking a few deep breaths and notice how your body feels. You can use long, slow exhales, or even sigh out loud to help you ease any tension.
- Now, look toward your baby with kindness and curiosity. You might ask their permission to begin this interaction, noticing if they show any signs of interest or engagement.
- Start by using your sense of sight. Gaze at your baby–what do you see? Use your eyes to look closely at the features of their face with a gentle smile. What are all the different colors you see in their eyes? What is the exact shape of their smile? Look at their fingers and toes, taking time to notice small things you haven’t noticed before. Go slowly, feature by feature. Notice the warm connected feelings that may arise as you pay close attention to your baby in this activity.
- Once complete, take a few deep breaths in and out and notice how you are feeling now.
