The Best Gift We Could Ever Give Our Child

What do most parents give their children on their second birthdays? Typically, boys get cars and trucks, girls get dolls and kitchens. Well, given that every day is full of treats and surprises for our son, we didn't do much lavishing in the gift department. On 19 November 2013, our son turned two. He received a pack of 40 cars that were in a tube for $20 from Woolies. Although this was kiddie heaven for our little guy, the best gift that we could give him, was to teach meditation.

One minute for every year alive. So hubby, toddler, and I sat on a cushion from the sofa and meditated for two minutes. I've started this blog to document the refinements we make over time to enhance our toddler's involvement and to share this knowledge with other parents who want to teach their children meditation.

My parents were (still are, for they are alive and kicking) extremely unenlightened. The concept of meditation was (is) completely foreign. My hubby and I came to meditation as a way to overcome our suffering in our twenties. We're now in our thirties and meditation has so many benefits that I believe it will really enhance my child's life as he grows and develops into a fabulous young man.

We started the meditation session by telling our Levi what meditation is. Hubby said, "meditation is a way to quieten the mind." We explained, in toddler language, why we do it, "It makes you and others happier." I said to him, "Just like our bodies need food every day, our minds need meditation every day." I want our son to learn that meditation is a normal and essential part of wellbeing, for he will learn to be in command of mind and emotions if he grows up learning meditation.

A friend of ours, whom we respect very much, started meditating at 10. It's just one case study, but this guy, who is in his early thirties, is so fabulous. He's calm, gentle with his words, open in his speech, and just downright lovely. We all want the very best for our children, and this is the very best gift that I can give to the most precious thing in the whole entire world.