As a Pilates and Yoga Mama, I of course naturally want to pass down the gifts and tools of each mindful practice. I recently saw a headline announcing the obvious, our children are more anxious than ever. I didn't find Yoga until practically 30 years old, and Pilates a few years later. What my world would have been like if I've had these tools earlier on...... These are some books and tools I have utilized with my beloved daughters.
Baby and Toddler Board Books
Anything by or illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder | She has a collection of board books that are easy to enjoy on our mats together.
I Yoga You - it's a cute board book to make you smile
All the World by Liz Garton Scanton
The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
Kid Picture Books
Good Morning Yoga and Good Night Yoga by Mariam Gates and Illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder
I am the Jungle by Melissa Hurt
A Beginner's Book of Mindfulness "HAPPY" by Nicola Edwards and Katie Hickey
Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman - This book happily reminds me of the queuing I use and have been taught to use. So many swirls! We are made of swirls!
The In-Between Book by Christopher Willard and Olivia Wisser (Preschooler, Pre-K)
Alphabreaths The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen
Baby and Child Yoga Activity Books
Itsy Bitsy Yoga by Helen Garabedian
Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Helen Garabedian
If you've tried to have a yoga practice with a baby, toddler and preschooler you know it's not your typical yoga class. I found this series of books to be perfect for their ever changing development and growth. And it's based on like 8minute routines to try out.
At age 4.5yrs old my eldest is able to a few rounds of sun salutations with me in the morning.
Other Tools
Sesame Street | May those Muppets be blessed forever. The creators and writers of Sesame Street are so aligned with mindfulness, kindness, and breath/calming techniques.
Headspace App | I've said it once, and a million more times, I find this meditation app essential to my own health but, it also has meditation practices for children and older. There is a Sesame Street collaboration as well.
Glitter Jars | When Charlotte was around 2 years old, we made glitter jars together, and whenever she had a big wave of feelings, we would redirect to the glitter jar. It helped this mama too! Thanks to Esme and Roy for this one - another Sesame Street offspring. Pinterest is full of ideas on how to create your glitter jar. I just used a canning jar, water, glitter, and a little bit of corn syrup to slow down the glitter when mixed.
Feelings Flashcards "A great way for kids to share - and learn about -all kinds of emotions" as the box itself says, couldn't it say it better myself!
Goodnight, World Podcast | Free Sesame Street and Headspace Collaboration that works wonders for my 3.5yr old. Episodes start with a story with one of our favorite monsters, then moves into a very slowly..... narrated....story..... zzzzzzzzzzz And, then Charlotte and I are asleep.
I hope these resources are helpful to you!
Good luck!
Don't forget: Legs up the wall can be a great place for you and your little(s) to start. It's a 2 minute practice I hold dear and can hold potential magic.
Photos below: The top is when my eldest was a toddler and the bottom is when my eldest and baby practiced together with me. Simply modeling your practice is a wonderful way to imprint, influence and inspire your wee ones.
