For the youngest children, we know sitting still is an inappropriate expectation.  What then about finding stillness in mindful meditation? If you follow my posts, you’ll find a number of activities to promote mindfulness in young children. I also am presently finding outstanding results meditating with ‘metta’- unconditional loving kindness & good will.  

Burmese meditation teacher, S.N. Goenka, said:

“…if they are very young, then give them metta. If the child is sleeping then sit near them and give them metta. Sit for an hour and then give them metta. If they are awake, then take them in your lap, rock them to sleep and then give them metta. They will start absorbing the vibrations of metta”.  

Young children learn about mindfulness from being around mindful adults.  When we practice loving kindness, other people absorb our vibration.  We model a mindful nature to our children, and therein instill a peaceful attitude. The spirit of metta is encompassed in the loving kindness mantra:

May all beings be peaceful.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings awaken to
the light of their true nature.
May all beings be free.