Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:03:45 GMT
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With Hot Cocoa Calm, kids learn to how to take control of their emotions and breathe their way to calm. The perfect soothing read for bedtime before the winter holidays, this board book celebrates the peacefulness of the season. Best of all, it can be performed anywhere: in the backseat of a car, at home, or even at a child's desk at school. Mindfulness Moments for Kids offer easy-to-follow exercises that kids can use to manage their bodies, breathing, and emotions.
Chapter 1: Introducing Mindfulness
In the first chapter of Hot Cocoa Calm, the author introduces the concept of mindfulness to children. Mindfulness is defined as a way of paying attention to the present moment and noticing how one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences are connected with each other. The author gives an example of how to be mindful by having children close their eyes and focus on noticing their breath, the smell of the air around them, and the sound that they can hear. By doing this, children can learn to remain focused and aware of their feelings, and this practice can benefit them in both their academic and social lives.
Chapter 2: Sitting and Noticing
This chapter centers around teaching children how to be mindful through stillness. The author suggests that children can sit quietly in a comfortable position and be mindful of their breathing, their body, and the environment around them. The author gives an example of sitting quietly in a park and taking the time to listen to the birds chirping in the trees, feel the gentle breeze against their skin, and notice the sun’s rays filtering through the leaves. Through this practice, children can focus on the present moment and train their minds to be more present and aware.
Chapter 3: Moving and Being
The third chapter teaches children how to connect their body and mind through movement. The author suggests simple exercises such as walking, stretching, and yoga. For example, children can practice mindful walking by slowly paying attention to their footsteps, the feeling of their muscles, and the movement of the air through their body. Through this, they can learn to be aware of the sensations that exist within their body and become more connected with themselves as a whole.
Chapter 4: Connecting with Nature
In this chapter, the author encourages children to use the natural world to observe and explore the present moment. For example, they can take a walk in the woods and observe the trees, the animals, and the sounds of the environment. Through this, they can practice being mindful and learn to appreciate the beauty of nature. Additionally, the author suggests activities such as planting a garden, visiting a park, or fishing in a nearby lake as ways to connect with nature.
Chapter 5: Connecting with Others
The fifth chapter focuses on connecting with others in a mindful way. The author suggests activities such as listening to someone’s thoughts without judgment, expressing gratitude, and creating art with others. For example, children can listen to their friend with open and nonjudgmental ears as they share what’s on their mind. Additionally, they can express gratitude towards someone for a kind gesture and create art together as a way to connect with their friend on a deeper level.
Chapter 6: Becoming Calmer
The sixth chapter focuses on calming practices that children can do to help them become more mindful. For example, the author suggests activities such as reading, coloring, and music. Additionally, the author suggests meditation and guided imagery exercises, such as imagining being in a peaceful meadow or a beach on a sunny day, to help children become more relaxed. With these practices, children can learn to be more mindful and connected with themselves and their environment.
Chapter 7: Dealing with Stress
The seventh chapter gives suggestions on how to manage stress in a healthy way. The author encourages children to talk to their family and friends about their feelings, as well as engage in calming practices such as breathing techniques and visualization. Additionally, the author encourages children to express their feelings through art, writing, or music in order to better understand and cope with stress in a healthy and mindful way.
Chapter 8: Being Present
The eighth and final chapter of Hot Cocoa Calm focuses on the importance of being mindful and present in the moment. The author encourages children to take the time to appreciate the small joys in life such as playing with a pet, watching the sunset, or giving a hug to a loved one. The author also suggests mindfulness activities such as listening to relaxing music, counting raindrops outside, or focusing on the sound of a loved one’s voice can help children become more present and enjoy life in the moment. By doing these activities, children will learn to be mindful and appreciate the beauty of life.
