by Chris Bergstrom | Jul 19, 2022 | exercises
Breathing Buddies also know as Teddy Bear Belly Breathing is one of my favorite mindful breathing exercises for kids. Belly breathing calms down the nervous system and is easy to do. Add a favorite stuffed toy and younger kids will get it almost instantly and find it... 
by Chris Bergstrom | Jun 24, 2022 | exercises
We know how important it is to get kids moving and playing mindful movement games is a great way to do so. The key is to make movement and mindfulness exercises enjoyable and age appropriate. You really don’t have to sit still like a pretzel to practice mindfulness... 
by Chris Bergstrom | Jun 19, 2022 | exercises
Recently, I was asked how to introduce mindfulness to a child who is uninterested in meditation. Many children associate mindfulness with sitting meditation, but it is so much more. Sitting practice is only one method for experiencing and honing mindfulness skills.... 
by Chris Bergstrom | Jun 13, 2022 | exercises
Playing fun games can help you learn mindfulness and executive function skills. Here’s one fun mindfulness game for children of all ages to play indoors or outside. We all enjoy playing Marco Polo, but did you know that the game can also provide numerous... 
by Chris Bergstrom | Jun 6, 2022 | exercises
Here’s a fun mindfulness game for kids of all ages to play outside. Younger children will typically find this most exciting, but even adults will enjoy it once they get going. Earthworms inspired me to play and write about this game! No, I’m not going... 
by Chris Bergstrom | May 30, 2022 | exercises, mindfulness experts
I’m very excited to continue our series of interviews with mindfulness experts with my American friend Jana York. Jana has taught both children and adults internationally, and she has even written a fantastic mindfulness book that is perfect for educators and their... 
by Chris Bergstrom | May 20, 2022 | exercises, self-regulation
So, how do you calm a child? I’ve been developing self-regulation strategies for children for the last ten years together with my own son, parents, psychologists and teachers. The results are clear, a frustrated “calm down” or ”take a deep breath” simply won’t work.... 
by Chris Bergstrom | May 14, 2022 | exercises, self-regulation
You’re in luck if you’re looking for a fun way to teach and practice self-regulation skills with children using mindful breathing. For the last ten years, I’ve been developing self-regulation strategies for children with my own son, parents,... 
by Chris Bergstrom | May 2, 2022 | exercises
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a deep relaxation technique that has been shown to effectively control stress and alleviate insomnia. PMR is recommended by therapists to both children and adults for stress relief and improved sleep. Progressive muscle... 
by Chris Bergstrom | Apr 21, 2022 | exercises
I’ll share two heartwarming and enjoyable mindful breathing exercises for kids. The first is ideal for younger children to do one-on-one with an adult, while the second is fun for older children, youth, and even adults to do in pairs. Mindful slow-paced...
