8 Grounding Activities for Children- Balancing The Root Chakra

Chakras are energy centers in the human body. To balance these chakras is to fine tune the energy flow, so all 7 chakras align. The earlier this practice is learned, the better because it develops self awareness, the key element to emotional development.
The root chakra is the first of the seven chakras, located at the base of the spine. Associated with the earth element, balancing this chakra provides the sense of feeling grounded. The root chakra is responsible for our sense of safety, security, and stability. When this chakra is balanced, children feel secure and confident. However, when it is not, children may experience fear, anxiety, and insecurity. This is especially crucial for neuro-divergent children, who often struggle with a significant amount of metal clutter. For this article, we’ll explore ten ways to help your children, and yourself, balance the root chakra.
 
1. Yoga
Yoga is a great tool. It combines stretching, breathing and self meditation to assist the body in creating a deeper connection with the nervous system. There are many forms. Pick a simple one to start with. Poses like the mountain pose, tree pose, and warrior pose can help children feel grounded and are easy poses for any beginner. These poses also help children develop strength, balance, and stability.
 
2. Nature Walks
Spending time in nature is not just important but necessary to help children connect with the earth. Since the root chakra is connected with earth elements, connecting positive experiences in a natural environment stimulates the root chakra with positive energy. Try taking a walk in the woods, playing in the park, or gardening can help children feel grounded and connected with the earth around them. This includes cold weather activities during winter months. Soaking up any sun, especially when the days are short, will provide an energy boost and alleviate the effects of cabin fever.
 
3. Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing is simple, yet effective, and can be utilized at any moment. The best way to begin is have the child sit in a chair with their feet hanginh straight or firmly on the ground if they can reach. Have them visualize the color red. This can be objects that are red or a red light. Encourage them to take deep breaths, breathing in for four seconds and out for four seconds. While doing this, have them focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of their lungs. This can help children feel more grounded and centered.
 
4. Grounding
Grounding exercises are designed to help children feel more connected to the earth. As mentioned previously, this plays an important role in developing a secure identity. One simple grounding exercise is to have children stand barefoot on the ground and imagine roots growing from their feet into the ground. As they breathe deeper, have them extend their arms as if they are a tree blossoming. Hugging a tree or rolling in the grass are also pleasant grounding activities. Lie back and find pictures in the clouds together. This will help create a secure connection between them and you.
 
5. Sensory Play
Sensory play consists if activities that give a child sensory input. Children explore their world via their senses. Giving them a structured sensory diet can help them stay grounded while engaging in positive experiences. Plan their day to include sensory play at least twice a day or the time of day that they struggle most with. Activities like swinging, sledding, or heavy lifting provides deep sensory input into their core. Activities like playing with sand, clay, or dirt can help children feel more connected to the earth. Sensory play can also help children develop fine motor skills and stimulate creativity.
 
6. Music
Music is a powerful tool. Listening to music with a slow, steady beat can have a deep calming effect. Instrumental music with strong drum lines or singing bowls can help children self meditate and learn how to ground themselves. This will be important as they grow into adulthood and need to know how to balance their emotions, independently. The base and low frequency helps to center themselves and settle anxiety.
 
7. Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that can help children shift their mindset and open their perspective about themselves. Encourage children to repeat affirmations like "I am safe. I am loved." or "I am grounded. I am centered." to help them feel more confident and secure. Make up your own positive affirmations custom to the child’s strengths or anxieties. Phrases like “I am brave,” or “I am independent,” are effective when navigating change or struggling with self esteem issues. Combining daily affirmations with deep breathing exercises can help them develop a tool to use during anxiety attacks or emotionally intense situations, building theirconfidence around problem solving and resolving conflict.
 
8. Visualization
Visualization is a powerful tool for anyone. Teaching you’re a healthy visualization practice can assist them in independent emotional regulation. Encourage children to imagine a bright red light at the base of their spine, representing their root chakra. Ask them to visualize this light growing brighter and stronger. You can also have them create a safe place in their mind that they can envision themselves in. The more often you practice this with them, the more they’ll be able to rely on this technique when they feel ungrounded at school or extracurricular activities. This can be very beneficial with kids who struggle with attachment issues. With enough practice and enough confidence, they’ll finally be ready for their first sleep over.
 
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment. It’s about fully engaging in what we are doing. It to experience the world as it is, right now without trying to control the future or worrying about the past. Encourage children to practice chakra balancing and grounding work is the first step to teaching them how to be mindful. Activities that balance the root chakra helps teaches them to focus on their senses, like the sound of birds chirping or the feeling of the sun on their skin. This can help children alleviate worry a develop a secure attachment. This is the foundation for healthy emotional development.
 
In conclusion, helping children balance their root chakra is crucial for their overall well-being. By incorporating activities that promote a sense of safety, security, and stability, parents and caregivers can help children develop a strong foundation for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These activities not only help children feel more grounded and connected to the earth, but also help them develop important skills like strength, balance, creativity, and mindfulness. By making these activities a regular part of children’s daily routines, parents and caregivers can help children build a strong foundation for a healthy and happy life.