mindfulnessforkids

In our series Cultivating Joy in Children, I talk about Gratitude.  Why is it important for us to teach our children to be grateful?

Gratitude is a JOY creator!

Why do we want to teach our children gratitude?
1. Develop a feeling of empathy.
2. Teaches them to be more generous toward others.

Why is this beneficial?
1. Less stress
2. More Positive
3. Happier and more joyful
4. They will perform better at school
5. May not be as materialistic.
6. Will be able to cope better in difficult situations which will help when they get older. 
7. Focus better
8. Have fewer health problems. 

How do we do this?
1. Teach our children to say "Thank You".
2. Parents model this by telling their children why they are grateful for them.
3. Talk about things you are grateful for. You can use a jar and write down gratitudes or share at the dinner table one thing you are grateful for from the day.
4. Use nature.

So start now with yourself and your children!

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Lauren's Book, My Dad Died From ALS and How I Found Joy 30 Years Later
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2J15M3Z

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This engaging meditation uses the energy and imagery of stones to foster inner connection and emotional regulation. Follow the guided practice and join your child on a mindful adventure.

This engaging meditation uses the energy and imagery of the four elements to foster inner connection and emotional regulation. Follow the guided practice and join your child on a mindful adventure.

My guest this week is Mark Brown. Ever since winning a region-wide poetry contest in fourth grade, coastal Virginia native Mark Brown, has been orbiting the world of writing. After graduating with a degree in film and settling down in Nashville, Tennessee, Mark found a niche creating healthcare-based video ads, but after a few years found that that kind of life didn't pair well with his life as a dedicated father. So, he decided to do a major change and apply his talents to the world of children's books, more specifically to the Zen Pig Universe. Mark wanted his son Noble to learn the life-changing power of values like gratitude, mindfulness, self-forgiveness way before he did. Quickly, Mark found that he wasn't alone. Zen Pig was a breakaway hit, helping parents articulate sometimes abstract concepts into easy-to-understand language, paired with beautiful minimalist art. The Zen Pig Universe continues to grow each year with 12 titles already available, and more releasing soon!

In this episode, Mark and I discuss how mindfulness, gratitude, and self-forgiveness are superpowers for adults and kids. More than ever, we need these simple tools that help us stay in the moment. The Zen Pig books have taken these concepts and whittled them down to the most concise, acute gems that are accessible and useful for all ages. 

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Mark Brown & Making Mindfulness Accessible … 00:01:15

Children are Innately Present … 7:08

Zen Pigs for Any Age … 00:12:25

How to Be Present & Compound Effect of Mindfulness … 00:16:40

Inserting Gratitude … 00:24:50

Flipping Kids to a Positive Outlook with Enjoyable, Peaceful Content … 00:30:20

Future of Zen Pigs … 00:35:10

Zen Pigs and Free Resources … 38:30

Episode Wrap up … 39:35

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In this week’s episode, JG Larochette, founder of the Mindful Life Project, sits down with Mindful managing editor, Stephanie Domet and shares his transformative encounter with mindfulness. Larochette shares his experience with bringing mindfulness into the classroom and the healing effect it had, not only on his students, but on his greater community. He reminds us that mindfulness is an innate skill we all possess and shares some tips on how to unlock this powerful ability. 

Discover more about the Mindful Living Project here: 

Mindful Life Project

Join us in 30 days of meditation here: Sign up for the Mindful30 Meditation Challenge

And find more from Mindful on our practice podcast, 12 Minute Meditation.

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