What's the best way to teach an 8yr old boy to meditate?

I've known plenty of people whose kids have started meditating because of their own interest.

Definitely meditate together -- it's always easier that way. Agree on a time to start, say 5 minutes. Kids CAN have amazing attention spans if they're interested. If that initial time is too long, or too short, change it for the next time. Your son's involvement in the decision is what really matters. (One great kid I used to know meditated one minute for each year of his age, then he decided to make it two per.)

Allow time afterwards to talk about his experience and his thoughts on what it means to meditate.

My suggestion is a simple, repetitive chant. A phrase or sentence that is easy to murmur and fits with your family's religion/philosophy/outlook. If your son is expressing an interest in meditation, I'm guessing that he'll be able to come up with a good one.

Namaste

How did you learn? If he is truly interested, a teacher might be the way to go. That can be you or a professional. I can't really see an 8yo wanting to stick with it though. Perhaps an internal martial art would teach him the proper mind set as well as give him a healthy activity to keep up with that is fun and more suitable to a child. Most martial arts contain elements of internal meditation to go along with the external art of self defense. But again, if he's interested in meditation, proper instruction seems pretty important.

Oooh. That's a toughie. It's hard to imagine any of the young boys I know sitting still long enough to meditate.

If you are okay with sense meditation, try finding something brightly colored for him to focus on or something with a soothing sound, like a water fountain or a pretty fire in a fireplace.

I'd keep the meditation periods short to start with - maybe a few minutes at a time. Any longer than that and I think he'll get restless.

Good luck!

Yes, the key is to be still, quiet and at peace (just like grown-ups). It is very much akin to self-hypnosis, You should share some quiet time with you child, or maybe even do a yoga class together, Sound like you have a great kid!!!

God Bless You

PS: I would bet there is a book on the subject of children meditating, google it

I'm not sure he's at a level yet in his cognitive development where he actually could meditate, to tell you the truth. You might want to wait until he's older. Then I'd suggest that you talk him through it. Have him visualize a hill with a tree and a lake, that it's a sunny day, breathe in different colors, etc.

Good luck!

)O(

He doesn't need to meditate at such a young age.Furthermore it's not necessary to meditate.You actually don't improve on anything.It's a scam.

I wouldn't, meditation can put the brain in such a state that your son can become demon possessed. But do what thou wilt, its your life.