Abstract

Stress and anxiety rid the lives of the majority of Americans. Unfortunately, it appears to be affecting the lives of our children as well. Bullies and intolerant children with an inability to focus are being sedated with amphetamines and diagnosed with various behavioral disorders. Suicide rates are climbing and the amount of violence in schools is alarming.  Could the answer to all of this chaos be as simple as meditation? What would the outcome be if every child was given the opportunity to learn the skill of focusing their energy and controlling their emotions at a young age rather than as an adult? The opportunities seem endless. Since we are raising our future, what sort of change could this exactly bring about? The intent of my research is to discover more about meditation, specifically its history, benefits, applications, and how meditation complements early childhood education and its effects on children with ADHD.