Our littles experience big emotions and learning to name and manage those feelings is challenging. One way to help kids recenter and find peace is to help them create their very own Peace Corner.
Paradise Principal: Community Helps Us Through Challenge
In honor of the Peace Kits for Paradise anniversary, Mindful Littles asked Paradise Ridge Elementary School Principal Ed Gregorio to share his thoughts about facing adversity with mindfulness and empathy and what advice he has for all of us during this challenging time as we shelter in place.
Peace Kits for Pandemic Heroes
This week marks the first anniversary of the Mindful Littles Peace Kits for Paradise service project when partnered with the Orinda Union school district to create and deliver peace kits to share with Paradise Unified students in the aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire,
Rainbow Breathing Wand and Breath Practice
When we notice our breath, we can begin to slow our heart rate and anchor ourselves in the present moment. Using a Rainbow Breathing Wand is a wonderfully visual way to help us notice and regulate our breathing. Here are instructions for making your own Rainbow Breathing Wand plus a guided practice with Mindful Littles Founder Tanuka Gordon.
Eye Pillow Craft and Sleep Meditation
Using a lightly weighted eye pillow is a wonderful way to release anxiety by stimulating the vagus nerve and slowing the heart rate. Here’s how to make your own eye pillow, either for yourself or as part of a Peace Kit for someone else, plus a simple sleep meditation to help you relax and rest.
Notice the Good: Dressing Paper Cut Outs in Nature
While free play outdoors is always a good option for kids, making outdoor time mindful offers additional benefits, like easing anxiety and boosting feelings of calm. This simple Clothing Cut Out project is an engaging activity to do with kids that combines art and the outdoors while helping them tap into mindfulness through their sense of sight.
Notice & Soak Up the Good In Your Garden
As we move through another week of quarantine in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus, I’m definitely feeling the effects of being house-bound and out of physical contact with my extended family and friends. While I’m coming to accept this new normal, I’m also experiencing a pretty consistent level of anxiety (anyone else having a hard time sleeping?).
Grounding Nature Name Game
With the pandemic keeping us inside more hours than I’m used to, walking outside has become a necessity – and not just physically.
Peacemaker Thank Yous Connect Gratitude With Peace
Introducing young children to the concept of peace helps them return to those feelings of calm and contentedness when they experience emotional overwhelm. Linking the feeling of peace with a particular person, like a parent, teacher or friend helps reinforce for kids that they’re not alone when they need help regulating.
Service at Home: Make Family Dinners Together
With a quarantine in progress across many parts of the world, now is a perfect opportunity to encourage kids to be of service at home (they might disagree, but stay with me here).
