Raise Your Child to Be an Optimist (Aha!Parenting)
It's easy to feel frightened and overwhelmed in today's world. But it IS possible, even in scary times, to be guided by the values that matter most to us, including the commitment to provide a calm, loving home for our children. To do that, we need a sense of optimism -- the conviction that things will work out, and that what we do can have a positive impact.
Yes, you should talk to your kids about Ukraine. Psychologists explain how (CNN & verywellmind)
With the many weeks of war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, kids may see disturbing images and videos on TV and social media or hear about the possibility of World War III. “It’s a brand-new thing that today’s parents have never had to really explain to their kids in terms of a war that is so in their face”. With so many images of violence and so few answers, your kids likely are aware of the fighting even if it's far away - and they can be terrified or at the very least, extremely worried or troubled. As you engage in conversation about Ukraine, consider the following.
How to help kids cope with pandemic's psychological toll (USA Today)
As the pandemic stretches out long and wide, kids across the board are feeling the same stressors as adults - yet many don’t have the life experience to feel confident they can get through it or the proper instruction for proven coping techniques (like mindfulness!). The endless ‘doom cycle’ on the news only exacerbates this situation, while kids wait for school life and extracurriculars to kick back in (providing needed relief from being at home with harried, worried family members). Adults can help, by staying aware and being proactive with interventions, open communication and consistently modelling healthy behaviours and strategies.
Back-to-School Anxiety During COVID (Child Mind Institute)
Getting back to the Fall school routine is exhilarating, yet can also be anxiety-producing for kids and families alike - especially given our last few years dealing with the many pandemic changes. Check out these tips from the Child Mind Institute to reduce stress at home, and gear up for success. Adding a sprinkle of mindfulness to your daily routine can also be a powerful antidote to stress. Check out Kidevolve’s Can of Delight or Worry Box (by Jeff Warren) to boost confidence and cope with worries, or Heart Medicine (by Christine Alevizakis) to get a head start on self-care! And you can listen to audio-only versions of these cool Creative Mind Journeys here.
Dive Into Kid's Wellbeing in this Knowledgehook Roundtable!
Last week, Kidoevolve founder Kirsten Chase had the opportunity to participate in Knowledgehook’s Leadership Series on Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing. It was a rich discussion, with host Jennifer Adams and parenting experts Alyson Schafer and Jennifer Kolari (bios below). They covered an interesting mix of current and key aspects of children’s health and school experiences - including the idea that learning mindfulness early in life can bring about positive and powerful wellbeing outcomes for kids, their families and society at large! If you didn’t get a chance to watch live, check it out here!
Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus (Child Mind Institute)
The Child Mind Institute’s experts say that dealing with your own anxiety can be the most powerful way to make sure your kids feel secure. If you or your children are feeling worried, learning how to deal with that anxiety in a healthy way can help the whole family be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over.
Kidevolve Featured on Alyson Schafer's 'The Adlerian Way' podcast!
This week, join internationally acclaimed parenting expert Alyson Schafer as she features Kidevolve on her The Adlerian Way podcast. Take a listen and see why Alyson is so jazzed about Kidevolve’s Imaginarium and our zany, zesty, soothing, Creative Mind Journeys™ - first-of-their kind audio stories that mix music, sound fx, incredible voice talent and pure whimsy to deliver highly imaginative tales that double as smart guided practices. Alyson interviews founder Kirsten Chase to see why teaching kids core self-regulation skills doesn’t need to seem punitive or boring - and why adults are digging these tracks too!
Supporting Your Children’s Emotional Well-Being at Home (Chopra.com)
Nearly half of parents of children under age 18 say their stress levels related to the coronavirus pandemic are high, with managing their kids’ online learning a significant source of stress for many. Using these four reminders in our homes, we can work to support our children’s emotional well-being, while making this time as meaningful as possible for them.
Wednesday Kid's Mindfulness Nightime Salve - Take a Trip to Calmland!
Sometimes getting to sleep can be a real challenge, and when kids rail against bedtime, parents can feel overwhelmed. During this unique global time, anxiety is running high and many families are finding bedtime to be an extra challenge. Now there’s relief, and it comes in the form of a magical elevator… all the way to Calmland, where kids can drift off to sleep after settling into each progressive calming level.