Not knowing can be both thrilling, and intimidating. But if you think about it, kids are in the constant state of not knowing the why, how, when, who of so many things. This is a wonderful state of exploration and wonder. Although, sometimes kids get a sense from adults that 'NOT knowing' is bad place to be. Asking too many questions is tedious, and pointless. This powerful book by Annika Harris explores the idea that adults can give kids the confidence to say, "I don't know", and instead of feeling stuck, or frustrated, children need to be encouraged to wonder in the vastness of life and everything around them. Kids and adults are invited to explore new things together, both not knowing answers immediately. There's a whole world of things to figure out the why, how, when and who together. And you never know adults, kids may end up teaching you a few things about what you don't know!
Mindful Eating by Randima Fernando
Mindful eating for kids?! You bet. This article from @Mindfulschools shares a mindful eating tool that Kidevolve uses in our own physical programs. It's simple, fun and extremely effective in encouraging kids to experience real foods using their senses. The mindful steps urge kids to slow down, appreciate how rich and interesting even the most simple foods can be, and reminds kids to check in with how food makes them feel. Imagine if people (of all ages) engaged in a little more mindful eating? We might just have better eating habits?
1-2-3 Mindfulness For Kids by Andrea Quintero
Kids flourish when they take part in activities that encourage them to become mindful, kind, compassionate and aware little people. But what about parents? They shouldn't be left out of the equation. Grown ups who are parenting need support on how to build mindfulness into their daily family lives. This article via the Huffington Post is right up Kidevolve's alley. It promotes family group practice of interactive, fun exercises that bring the young and old together in a state of mindfulness. We especially like the bedtime meditation suggestion and are working on our own Kidevolve resources to share with families soon...stay tuned....
Building a Braintrust
What happens when you start nurturing a culture that supports kids becoming compassionate, aware and emotionally intelligent little people? People respond. A natural network starts emerging.
The last year has been a fascinating, fun and inspiring journey. As soon as Kidevolve began offering hands-on, physical programs to kids around mindfulness training, heaps of businesses, leaders, parents, teachers, researchers, academics, kids have hopped aboard to help influence the Kidevolve Space. Everyone recognizes that there is a very important spark here. Kids need mindfulness tools. And grown ups really need them!
These 8 success factors are even more important than your IQ (Inc.com)
Research suggests that intellect may not define success nearly as much as we’ve thought. Being smart can take you far, but emotional intelligence may be even more important than an exceptional intellect. Click here to find out more...
The Affirmation Station - by Tania Joy Antonio
CLICK on this image above to watch the inspiring video. IF you want to buy the book - go here. The Affirmation Station is used for empowering children to know they have choice to live a life of gratitude, love and compassion using the power of Daily Affirmations! Author - www.taniantonio.com video by www.carlaantonio.com
This book sets the stage for developing intention at a young age so that they may continue to love one another in the most kind and gentle way. It ignites passion about their own lives, showing how beautiful they truly are. Isn't that what we want for our children? To be the future harmony of this universe?
Let “I AM” resonate within their souls and open doors to their lives.
The Mindful Child - by BOBBY AZARIAN
We don't just know that meditation helps kids to feel calmer, we see it in action.
Kidevolve has four programs running at various schools, parent host homes and community centres at the moment. It's exciting to watch our experienced team of teachers and Ambassadors share engaging and sticky mindfulness tools with kids ages 5-10 years. These kids are reaping benefits like focus, calm, emotional regulation, awareness, compassion...and more. And to top it off, these wily kids are teaching the grown ups a thing or two about being kind, resilient humans.
Check out the excellent and informative article below that one of our stellar Kidevolve parent Ambassadors sent us via @NewYorkTimes.
A cool way to get into a calm, happy place
Check out these new versions of Kidevolve¹s 'Let Me Be Happy' song - two fresh takes, where Kidevolve kids are totally immersed, happy, peaceful and singing along merrily. This simple song (which can also be used as a chant or mantra) is one we use to open each of our Kidevolve classes. It¹s easy to learn and practice at home, and it creates a sense of well-being and calmness in even very small children. Try it out and see! No guitar or percussion instruments required (although if you have these handy - yippee!).
Calling the emotional regulation station. What’s the weather like?
All aboard. The theme at our Danforth program this week was emotional regulation. For many kids, emotions are like a roller coaster of ups and downs. This unpredictable ride can sometimes cause storm fronts for kids and families.
Kidevolve is committed to connecting kids with tools for social and emotional learning (SEL). This process through which children (and adults) acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. Basically, we want kids to get in the drivers seats of their minds.
Raffi’s “Take A Breath” (The Self-Reg Song) Can Help Children Deal with Stress
Singer-songwriter Raffi, along with being known as “the most popular children’s singer in the English-speaking world” (The Washington Post) is renowned for his advocacy on behalf of children. He just released a song that can help children and adults deal in a very simple way with the stresses and anxieties of everyday life.