Simple Ways to Increase Your Family’s Mindfulness

As we move into the third week of school for our Shorewood-Troy area kids, we wanted to provide some easily accessible, simple resources for both parents and their children to help practice mindfulness during what can often be a stressful adjustment.
Participate in an Act of Kindness:
Studies have shown that participating in acts of kindness can help lower stress and anxiety levels.
This summer, the Children’s Dept at STPL started a kindness rocks garden in front of the Library! Decorating a rock to add to the garden is a simple, and creative way to practice a random act of kindness!


Another easy way to practice kindness is to visit Random Acts of Kindness and participate in their “make kindness the norm” challenge for kids. Simply download the free printable HERE, and complete all the activities! If you don’t have a printer at home, you can also stop by the STPL Children’s Dept to pick up a free copy!
Books:
The Children’s Dept has some wonderful books to help facilitate mindfulness practices! The following are my 5 favorite titles we currently own:
1) Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement, and More by Mallika Chopra
This meditation guide for middle graders and young adults offers specific mindfulness exercises to help deal with day-to-day challenges and includes tips to lead a happier, healthier, and more connected life.
Call Number: J 158.1 CHO
2) Mindful Moments at Bedtime by Paloma Rossa
This board book for littles features soothing bedtime rituals to read together. It helps offer moments of thoughtful conversation and restful reflection, both for children and their grownups.
Call Number: BB ROSSA
3) Stress Less : How to Achieve Inner Calm and Relaxation by Aubre Andrus
It can be easy to get bogged down in stress. Luckily there are countless strategies to beat it. When you’re feeling anxious or overloaded, the projects in this book can help. Calm down by following a guided meditation. Boost your mood with a healthy snack. Take a break from social media. Get your blood pumping with a guided 20-minute workout. Before you know it, you will be less stressed! Your mind – and body – will thank you
Call Number: J 155.9 AND
4) Bee Still: an Invitation to Meditation by Frank Sileo
Illustrations and rhyming text tell of Bentley, a bee from a busy, crowded, and noisy hive who teaches others to meditate in order to handle stress. Includes a guide for parents.
Call Number: GROWING & LEARNING / FIRST STEPS / SILEO
5) I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde
When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice. Express emotions through direct speech. Find empathy through imagination. Connect with the earth. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Breathe, taste, smell, touch, and be present.
Call Number: GROWING & LEARNING / FEELINGS / VERDE
As always, the STPL Children’s Department is happy to help you find any other books or resources you might need along your mindfulness journey. Give us a call at (815) 725-4368 or email us at childrensdept@shorewoodtroylibrary.org
And last, but certainly not least, take some time to laugh at this fabulous meditation joke! Laughter is a fantastic way to bring some happiness into your life!
