Mindfulness for Families & Children
Mindfulness Fun for the Whole Family
Mindfulness is just about non-judgmental awareness of your self (emotions, thoughts, and body), others, and your surroundings. Though in its early stages, current scientific research shows promising effects of mindfulness and meditation, including increased focus, reduced stress, and improved mental health and overall well-being.
Families working with Dr. Peters will have the opportunity to explore four primary components of mindfulness, which include awareness, acceptance, balance, and compassion. We practice being aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodies and environment; we practice acceptance of ourselves, others, and circumstances; we practice emotional balance and the magic of finding a happy medium; and we practice compassion for ourselves, others and the world.
Dr. Peters uses a client-informed combination of games, creative activities, scientific mini-lessons, yoga poses, discussion, and take-home props to teach parents, caregivers, and kids mindfulness skills while keeping everybody engaged and active. Some tools that might be used during sessions include the Human Systems Emotion Wheels and Needs Wheel, the Animal Spirit Discovery Cards, and Mindful Games by Susan Kaiser Greenland.
Why classes for families and not just kids? Research and practice shows that kids rely heavily on their parents for their emotional regulation. Kids pick up on their parents’ or caregivers’ mood and way of interacting with the world, and they internalize it. In fact, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a child to keep their mood stable if their parents’ moods are not stable. The best ways to teach kids emotional balance is to show them what it looks like.
Dr. Peters’ philosophy is one of shared leadership: parents and kids are encouraged to contribute to the sessions by making suggestions, sharing their experience, and even leading activities when they are ready.
Explore a Research-Based Comprehensive Approach to Developing Family Mindfulness & Well-Being
We also offer a more comprehensive approach to improving family mindfulness and well-being with our Mindful Growth series. In a series of family workshops (some for the whole family, some for just the adult caregivers), we explore best practices for Mindfulness and Mindful Growth for each family member, the relationships, and the family system as a whole. Learn more about our approach to Individual, Relational, and Systems Mindful Growth by downloading our Mindful Growth models and assessments:
- Individual Mindful Growth Model (PDF)
- Individual Mindful Growth Assessment (PDF)
- Relational Mindful Growth Model (PDF)
- Relational Mindful Growth Assessment (PDF)
- Systems Mindful Growth Model (PDF) (coming soon!)
- Systems Mindful Growth Assessment (PDF) (coming soon!)
