'Baby Buddhas'

Author On How, And Why, To Teach Kids To Meditate

(CBS)  You may be surprised to hear that children as young as 18 months can learn to meditate, but one woman who teaches young kids says it's made a difference in the ones she supervises during the day.

Childcare provider Lisa Desmond says many are now calmer, happier, and better able to cope with being away from their parents all day.

Desmond has written about her experiences in the new book, Baby Buddhas.

She stops by The Early Show Monday to give insight on how parents can teach meditation to their kids in their own homes.

Desmond tells co-anchor Hannah Storm she watches children in her Vermont home during the day, and she says the difference meditation has made is significant.

The following excerpt from "Baby Buddhas" may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Introduction
The Beginning...

"Recently when asked, 'What does it feel like to meditate?'
Avery said, 'I open my heart and have loving feelings,'
all the while gesturing to her heart and mind."
-- Mother of two-year-old Avery

The meditations in this book will give children a tool they can use in their daily lives, a tool that will last a lifetime. I have seen meditation work every day with the preschool children I teach. I have observed children who are in pain from the loss of a loved one, children who are sad, fearful, hyperactive, or angry, become calm, relaxed, and at peace with themselves and the world around them through meditation. It helps them fall asleep and calms them when they are afraid, upset, or worried. It gives them a way to comfort themselves in times of grief and sorrow. It helps children with learning difficulties, attention deficits, and chronic or life-threatening illnesses build self-esteem and confidence through acceptance and understanding. I have seen the joy on a child's face when we do a meditation celebrating his or her birthday or the birthday of a sibling. I have seen relief on a child's face after he or she has sent love to a deceased relative or pet. Parents also see the benefits of meditation throughout the day. Children or "Ommming" themselves to sleep, sending love to friends and family whom they miss, and setting up a meditation space and meditating on their own, as they help themselves deal with fears like darkness and separation or celebrate a beautiful sunset or the arrival of a new brother or sister. Meditation gives children a way to send peace, joy, and love into a world they have yet to understand and gives them a way to take the time to be thankful and give gratitude for all they have, for the people who love them, and for the world they live in.