Mindful Families Header Image

  • Mom and B at Fence - Photo by Sara Marlowe
  • Mindful-Kids-2013-listening-for-web
  • B singing bowl
  • Geese Family - Photo by Sara Marlowe
  • Beckett and Daddy - Photo by Sara Marlowe
  • MNBF cover

If the day ever came when we were able to accept ourselves and our children exactly as we are and they are, then, I believe we would have come to an understanding of what "good parenting" means.

Fred Rogers

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is being fully present in the moment; having a non-judgemental awareness of our moment-to-moment experiences as they are occurring rather than being lost in thought about the past or planning for the future. Through mindfulness practice we can learn to be less reactive and more intentional in our words and actions. We can become more intimately aware of our emotions and respond to them, rather than being swept away by them when they become very intense. Mindfulness practice can support us in leading a richer life as we learn to 'show up' and be present with all that life brings our way - whether it be pleasant, unpleasant or neutral.

Mindfulness practice has become increasingly popular as people experience the myriad benefits it can bring to our health and well-being. Cutting edge research continues to demonstrate the benefit of mindfulness practice to physical and mental health and also shows how engaging in mindfulness awareness and / or compassion practice can actually change the structure and functioning of the brain. (See Dan Siegel, Sara Lazar, Rick Hanson)

Mindful awareness can be developed through formal meditation practices, such as awareness of breath, mindful walking, mindful eating, body awareness, awareness through the senses. Through intentionally practicing to develop our awareness, in a non-judgemental way, we can then learn to bring this non-judgemental, present-moment awareness into our everyday lives... and into our parenting.

Mindfulness practice can also be very rewarding and beneficial to children.

It is the intention that this website be a resource for people interested in exploring mindfulness - for parents, children and families. It will be updated regularly with mindfulness practices, songs, stories and resources (some for download).

Mindful Kids...

Click on the image to find mindfulness resources for kids.

Mindful Kids Logo

Mindful Parenting Stories...

Share a story about how you bring mindfulness to your parenting.

Click on the image to find out more.

Mindful Families Hands Photo

Snow Globe Meditation

Snow globe meditation for children.

 

 

Nurturing connection, one breath at a time...