Wondering how you’ll keep the kids occupied this summer? Currently, struggling with schooling and entertaining them at home? Singing bowls easily fit into lesson plans, routines, and rules of the house. If you want to make time at home more mindful - but not more boring – check out some ways our kids are using singing bowls.
A Music Lesson
Teaching kids about the arts at home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Unlike other musical instruments, singing bowls are relatively inexpensive and easy to play. Listen to some singing bowl tracks online and have your little ones try to recreate the sounds along with the recording.
For kids who do have experience with musical education, have them identify what note their singing bowl plays. Have them experiment with different playing techniques to alter the sound, or play other instruments like gongs, bells, and chimes to accompany the singing bowl.
A Reward
Little ones love praise and acknowledgment for good behavior. And in the long term, it reinforces that good behavior. If you’re homeschooling right now, try using a singing bowl as a reward. When your child gets an answer right or behaves, invite them to strike the singing bowl. It’ simple, but incredibly fun for small kids who love an opportunity to make a little noise.
Over time, they’ll build positive associations with the sound. Later in life, they’ll have no problem turning to a singing bowl to boost their mood and destress.
Games
Singing bowls can even be incorporated into mindful listening games. Play your singing bowl around the rim, and have the kids listen carefully for the second that the sound fades away completely. At the moment the sound disappears, they either sit down or if sitting, raise their hand. This type of engagement is good for keeping kids in the present moment.
Relaxation and Quiet Time
Naptime is a struggle. If your children insist they’re not tired and fight taking a rest, try this. Instead of saying its naptime, do a few yoga postures. Downward dog, butterfly, and child’s pose are all good beginner postures they can do. Finish with savasana, where the child will lie down on their mat with their eyes closed. Begin playing the singing bowl as you encourage them to relax, not “nap”.
Chances are, they’ll drift off to sleep – whether they meant to or not.
Singing bowls are good for bedtime too, as a simple ritual that signals things are winding down at home. At Silent Mind, we keep different singing bowls for all purposes – one for mindful listening games and music lessons, one for routines and rewards, and one for naps and bedtime.
Are you currently homeschooling, and what are your biggest challenges? Do your kids practice mindfulness or play the singing bowl? When did they first start using a singing bowl? Let us know in the comments, and share your own ideas for other parents!