Children’s Book Review: Mindfulness for Kids by Carole P. Roman and J. Robin Albertson-Wren

MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS

30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, & In Control

By: Carole P. Roman and J. Robin Albertson-Wren

Published: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Althea Press

Non-Fiction

Unfortunately, in today’s world, there are a lot of kids that feel anxiety or stress at school, at home, or with even the simplest of interactions. In my subbing, some of the elementary classrooms that I have been in have a set time for mindfulness activities like yoga or breathing exercises. I appreciate that time as much if not more than the kids do.

I appreciate the approach of this book, speaking from a child’s perspective and offering mindfulness as a type of superpower. The book explains it as something that a child can use when they are feeling overwhelmed or need to relax. It’s matter-of-fact with no shame or awkwardness.

Each chapter offers a child in a typical kid situation and how mindfulness can help in that setting. Examples including getting in trouble at home that results in frustration or anger, breaking something and feeling fear and guilt about the consequences, a doctor’s visit, having to present in class, facing a bully, or friendship issues. Feelings of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, fear, anger, resentment, or feeling overwhelmed are talked about freely.

I think that kids would be able to read these examples and identify with the kids in these scenarios very easily. The situations are common and the feelings mentioned are explained for kids to understand. A lot of the mindfulness activities include various breathing exercises but also offer a distraction. One example encourages kids to make a mind jar, a jar of water filled with glitter. I’ve actually done this and keep it on my desk. I like watching the glitter fall when I feel overwhelmed.

I think this is a great book for teachers or parents to share with kids. I could see this book used in the classroom, reading the examples and offering opportunities to try the breathing exercises. Parents could help their child walk through scenarios that are giving their child anxiety with the examples in the book.

Roman is an award-winning author of over 50 children’s books and seems to know how to reach kids either through fiction or non-fiction books by offering fun and imaginative stories or teaching them something. Albertson-Wren has been an elementary teacher for over 20 years and teaches mindfulness activities to executives, teachers, parents, and kids. These two authors have combined to create an important book for kids.

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Other books you might like:

YOGA FROG

I WANT TO DO YOGA TOO

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.