Roxie Nafousi (Image: Stella Kim)
“I see manifesting as a self-development practice that helps you become your best self, feel happier and more confident, and approach life totally differently,” says Roxie Nafousi, leading manifesting expert and bestselling author.
“Manifesting can help with any aspect of your life, from reaching career goals to meeting a partner.”
And, says Roxie, far from being some vague, patronising notion only relevant to privileged A-listers and high-powered CEOs, manifesting is something that everyone can make part of their life – even children.
The self-development coach, 33, discovered how beneficial manifesting could be back in 2018 when, battling with addictions to cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes, and struggling with depression, she was, in her own words, “at rock bottom”. On the advice of a friend, she listened to a podcast on manifestation, and something clicked.
“Manifesting has changed every single area of my life,” Roxie says. “Most of all it’s given me this sense of confidence, peace and joy that I really didn’t think was possible for me. Of course my life isn’t suddenly perfect now, but when I have challenging times I know how to cope with them.”
Looking back, Roxie believes that her issues stemmed from childhood, which is what led her to write her third book on manifesting, this time one aimed at children aged seven to 12. Manifest For Kids aims to give young people the tools to cope with challenges, feel more confident, adopt a more grateful mindset and generally feel better.
She is, however, quick to point out that manifesting is not just expecting good things to magically appear (sorry kids, no dreaming up a new PlayStation or an evening off from homework).
“It’s not just about attracting things but about making the life you already have feel as good as possible,” explains Roxie.
She believes however that these practices can boost children’s self-esteem and help them cope with a range of tricky situations and emotions, from being bullied to stressing about exams.
So how is it done?
Here, Roxie shares how to introduce manifesting to the whole family?
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Vision boards are a popular part of manifesting as they can be a clear way to lay out goals and stay focused, and a fun activity for children to do on their own, or for families to do together.
To make a vision board, give your child a large piece of card, and a stack of magazines and art supplies like felt tip pens and stickers, then get them to write their name at the top and stick any images, words or quotes they’re particularly drawn to. For example, if they dream of being a footballer, they could stick down pictures of their favourite players or their team’s colours.
Every night before bed ask your little one: “What are the best things that happened today?”, and then tell them what the best bits of your day were.
This will encourage positivity and joy expression. It also teaches children how to look for the good because they know that at the end of the day they’re going to have to identify it.
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…and introduce a gratitude jar
An alternative activity for older children is to once a week have the whole family write three things they’re grateful for on a piece of paper and put it in a big jar. When the jar is full, together you can read through all the good things that have happened in that time.
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Discuss emotions around the table
Talk with each other about how you feel that day. It’s important for kids to see that adults feel a whole spectrum of emotions too. They need to see that it’s OK to feel worried, angry, embarrassed or sad – if they’re not discussed openly these emotions risk getting stuck inside, causing issues later in life.
Manifesting is about living your best life so anything that aids that will help, whether it’s journaling, meditating, exercising or eating nutritious food. It’s all about feeling good from within.
Why not try some guided meditation together to unwind after school? Roxie has recorded meditation sessions for children on her website. Visit roxienafousi.com
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Introduce manifesting gradually
It’s fine if your child isn’t interested in doing new activities at first. Think what exercises they might like. Pick a moment when you can tell they’re more open to trying them, and introduce them one at a time so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
You could say: “There’s this cool thing I learned today, want to try it?”
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Don’t be afraid to get extra help
Of course, manifesting isn’t a magic cure, and if your child is really struggling with mental health issues such as OCD, anxiety and depression, it’s important you don’t feel afraid to get professional help.
If your child had hurt their leg you’d go to the doctor, and it should be the same if your child is feeling mentally unwell.
There is support out there, and the earlier children get that support, the better. Visit the Young Minds and Action for Children websites, or speak to your GP.
AND BREATHE
These simple breathing exercises can be useful tools to help children feel calmer if they’re stressed, angry or sad.
- Four in, four out Place one hand on your belly and breathe in slowly for four counts, feeling your stomach move up and out. Now breathe out for four counts.
- Snake breathing
Inhale through your nose for three seconds. Hold your breath for two seconds. Breathe out slowly through your mouth, making a hissing sound like a snake.
Inhale through your nose and, as you feel your belly expand, imagine a flower opening up its petals. Exhale through your mouth and, as your stomach deflates, picture the flower closing.
Manifest For Kids: Four Steps to Being the Best You by Roxie Nafousi (£16.99, Puffin) is out now
