by Laura Falin posted in Life

It makes sense that mindfulness - "the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment" (according to the New York Times) - is having a big moment now. We're in a stressful world with smartphones and tablets and computers available to distract us at any moment. We're in a scary world with heartbreaking stories of mass shootings that seem to pile, one on top of the other, in an endless, awful cycle. We're in an uncertain world where even my kids know about North Korean nuclear testing and political unrest.
I find myself looking for anything that will help calm our minds and hearts. There are things I can control, like putting away my phone and be present with my family, and there are things beyond my control like sending my them off to school and work and praying desperately for their safety. The New York Times has a great introduction to teaching mindfulness to children, beginning when they're babies, and teaching us to be mindful parents as well. I've been inspired to share several books to read with your children to help them practice being in the moment, celebrating their feelings (all their feelings, even the uncomfortable ones), and being still and appreciating the world and all the blessings that do still exist in it.

 11 books that encourage mindfulness in children
-Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents) by Eline Snel - This book features simple mindfu...