Schools closed due to Delhi pollution: Mindfulness tips parents can teach their kids

Mumbai: There’s something almost surreal about this time of year in Delhi. You wake up to a sky that feels heavy, almost pressing down, and the faint hum of air purifiers becomes the soundtrack of your day. Life shifts in strange ways. Schools shut their doors, kids are stuck indoors trying to burn off endless energy, and parents? We’re left juggling, trying to keep some kind of balance in the middle of all this chaos.

It’s not just the air that feels suffocating—it’s the mood, the disruption, the constant sense of being “stuck”. And while masks and purifiers are part of the solution, they can’t protect kids—or us—from the emotional weight of it all. I’ve watched my own little ones grow restless and frustrated by the monotony, and it’s hard not to feel helpless sometimes.

But this year, instead of just enduring it, I decided to try something different: teaching my kids (and, honestly, myself) to lean into mindfulness. It’s not about fixing the air or the world outside. It’s about finding a little more peace inside, even on days that feel overwhelming.

Why Mindfulness Matters

Let’s be real: pollution isn’t going away anytime soon. Every November, we brace for the same cycle of smoggy skies, closed schools, and cabin fever. And while we do what we can to keep the air clean inside, what about our mental and emotional health? Kids pick up on the stress we feel, even if they can’t put it into words.

Mindfulness gives them a way to cope. It’s like a reset button – helping them slow down, process their emotions, and feel just a little more in control. For us parents, it’s a way to show them that even when things feel tough, they can find moments of calm.

Simple Ways to Bring Mindfulness Into Everyday Life

1. Breathing Made Fun

One thing I’ve learned? Kids don’t want a lecture—they want something fun. A simple game like “flower and candle breathing” works wonders. I tell my kids to imagine holding a flower in one hand and a candle in the other. They “smell” the flower with a deep breath in, then “blow out” the candle with a long, slow exhale.

It sounds silly, but it works. Whether it’s a tantrum, a restless moment, or just one of those “blah” days, this little exercise helps them find their centre. (Actually, it works for me too).

2. Make Boredom Meaningful

We’ve all been there—those endless moments when your kids are “sooo bored” and you’re fresh out of ideas. Instead of rushing to fill the gap, use it as an opportunity for mindfulness. Ask them to close their eyes and just listen. What do they hear? Maybe a bird outside, or the faint whirr of the air purifier.

It’s amazing how quickly they get into it, pointing out sounds I hadn’t even noticed myself. It’s a small thing, but it helps ground them—and me—in the present.

3. Create a Calm Corner

A while back, we set up a little “calm corner” in our living room. It’s nothing fancy—just a soft rug, a cushion, and a few of their favourite things, like a stuffed animal and a picture book. When they’re upset or overwhelmed, I gently guide them there, reminding them it’s their safe spot to breathe or just sit quietly.

What surprised me most was how much they loved decorating it. They’ll add little touches, like a plant or a drawing, and it makes them feel like it’s really theirs. And honestly? Sometimes I sneak over there when I need a moment too.

4. End the Day With Gratitude

Lately, we’ve started a simple ritual at dinner: everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be big—my daughter once said she was thankful for the “cool shapes” her noodles made. The point isn’t what they say; it’s shifting the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

It’s become one of my favourite parts of the day. Even in the middle of the haze and uncertainty, there’s always something to appreciate.

5. Move Mindfully Together

Being stuck indoors can make everyone a little stir-crazy, but movement helps. We’ve started doing simple yoga poses together—nothing fancy, just things like “child’s pose” or “cat-cow.” The kids love taking turns “teaching” us the poses, and it turns into this fun, giggly family moment.

I didn’t expect it, but it’s been great for me too. Just moving and stretching together makes the heaviness of the day feel a little lighter.

A Breath of Strength

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding small ways to make the tough days more bearable. For my kids, it’s been a way to slow down, notice their feelings, and handle frustrations without it spiralling. For me, it’s been a reminder that even in chaos, there’s space for calm.

We can’t change the air outside, but we can create a bubble of peace inside. Start small—a breathing game, a gratitude ritual, a quiet corner. You might be surprised at how quickly it helps.

Because sometimes, amidst the haze and noise, all we need is one mindful moment—a breath of fresh air for the soul.

 With schools closed due to Delhi pollution, keeping kids calm indoors can be challenging. Discover mindfulness tips parents can teach their kids to navigate stress, including breathing games, calm corners, and gratitude rituals.  Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips