This week in small group we are studying SLOTHS! Until we slow down in the moment, and during life in general, relaxation practice isn't effective or even very possible. Slowing down in the first step in the relaxation response, it is a signal to our Central...

Atmosphere of Wonder
I believe that each of us is born with an inherent natural sense of imagination and a propensity for wonder. Every child, in their purest essence is a priest of priestess, an alchemist of imagination. And to the extent that we, as parents, caregivers, educators or...
Relaxation Message In a Bottle
Writing can be a relaxation tool that can be accessed anywhere and everywhere! Use it to feel better when there are thoughts swimming around inside. Model for your child how journaling can relieve stressful thoughts or feelings that want to be released. Show your...
Superman Cool Down!
Welcome guest blogger, Rigby Buckner! It is my absolute delight to introduce to you a new guest blogger at Kids Relaxation! Rigby is a graduate student enrolled in the University of Denver’s Child, Family, and School Psychology Program. She received her Bachelor’s in...
Heart of Gold
We always hear "heart of gold" being used to describe someone's loving and generous presence. Today in my girls' group, we talked about how to take care of our own hearts, which are our inner gold. I explained to the fifth grade girls that what's really really...
Presence in Parenting Part Two
"The most precious gift you can give to the one you love is your true presence." ~Thich Nhat Hanh When you are mindful of your breathing, you are building a bridge between your mind and body. And, as Thich Nhat Hanh notes in his book, True Love, it only takes 10-20...
Presence in Parenting Part One
I've recently been diving into a little book by Thich Nhat Hanh called True Love, and it's become an inspiration for my parenting, my work in the schools as well as the connections and relationships in my life. In the book, he talk about the four elements of...
Your Greatest Treasure
Thoughts are Things The way we think has the power to determine how we feel and how we experience the world around us. Have you heard the saying, "Thoughts are things?" Teaching our kids how to observe and shift their thoughts is a powerful tool, one that benefits...
The Mindful Pencil: Classroom One-Minute Relaxer
Here's a quick one-minute relaxer that you can do in your classroom. Invite students to grab a pencil. While holding the pencil horizontally between their palms, slowly begin to breathe in and out while mindfully rolling the pencil up and down between their palms. ...
Stoplight Deep Breath!
Relaxation Practice in the Car! A perfect time to practice deep breathing during your day is to use time in the car! 1. Prime the mind to relax by focusing on the positive: Invite your child to name 5 things they are grateful for while looking out the window. 2....

