Kids' Minds Matter

We loved speaking to Madeline Woolgar from Neuro Embrace. Here are some key takeaways and what you will learn from listening - first up this is an episode for EVERYONE. Not just for parents and carers of Neurodivergent children. Madeleine shared her experiences and how it has shaped her passion for supporting neurodivergent children and their families.Madeleine emphasises the importance of raising awareness about neurodiversity, not just for parents of neurodivergent children, but for all parents. Inclusive practices in schools and society can create a more understanding and accepting generation.Understanding that children's behaviour always has a reason behind it is a core principle of Madeleine's work. She helps parents cultivate curiosity and the capacity to regulate their own emotions in order to better support their children.Building a supportive community of parents who understand the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent children is crucial. Madeleine's free Facebook group "Nurturing Neurodivergent Children" provides resources and a space for connection.Madeleine addresses the challenges of feeling judged in public and provides strategies for rebuilding connection with a child, even before a diagnosis. Her approach emphasizes compassion, understanding, and prioritizing emotional well-being.Resources Mentioned:Madeleine's free Facebook group: "Nurturing Neurodivergent Children"Madeleine's Instagram: @neuro_embracing_madeleineFREE RESOURCES FOR YOUFree Resources for Kids’ Wellbeing At Kids and Teens Yoga, we believe in making mindfulness and mental health tools accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve created a collection of free resources designed to support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Check out some of our popular freebies below:Self-Love Yoga Nidra for Teens – A calming meditation to boost self-confidence and relaxation.Emotions Chart – Help your child identify and express their feelings with this easy-to-use visual guide.Sleep Meditation – A gentle meditation to guide your child into a restful night’s sleep.Sleep Routine Chart – Establish a healthy bedtime routine to create consistent, peaceful sleep habits.And so much more!Head over to kidsandteensyoga.com/free to download these resources and start your child’s journey to mindfulness today!

In this episode, Zoe welcomes Anna Aznar, the founder of Rec Parenting, to discuss the most crucial factors for supporting children's wellbeing. Anna shares insights from her background in developmental psychology, emphasising that the foundation of great parenting is a warm, stable relationship - not perfection. They explore why parents often feel so much pressure, and Anna provides practical tips for nurturing an environment of love and limits at home. The conversation also dives into navigating technology and social media, supporting parental mental health, and fostering children's emotional and social competence. Connect with AnaConnect with ZoeAccess free Yoga and Mindfulness resources hereWhat to expectThe most important thing for children is having a strong, loving relationship with their parents, not perfectionParenting is a relationship, not a job - we need to let go of the pressure to be "perfect"Practical ways to build a warm environment include active listening, physical affection, and involving kids in family lifeSetting boundaries around technology is key, but should be done with love and explanation, not just rulesSupporting parents' own mental health is crucial, as it directly impacts children's wellbeingDiscussing emotions, validating feelings, and teaching emotional regulation are important skillsGuest Bio: Anna Aznar is the founder of Rec Parenting, an online platform providing science-based parenting resources and one-on-one support. As a doctor in developmental psychology, Anna has dedicated her career to researching and supporting children's social-emotional development. Through Rec Parenting, she aims to empower parents with expert guidance and a compassionate, judgment-free approach. Links:Rec Parenting website: www.recparenting.comEmail Ana: anna@recparenting.com

This relaxing meditation is designed for parents and children to practice together, particularly before bedtime. Led by yoga teacher and parent Zoe, this guided meditation helps soothe the nervous system and promote quality bonding time as a family. Zoe guides listeners through creating a cosy, comfortable space to sit or lie down together. She then leads them through deep breathing exercises and visualisation of a warm, comforting light surrounding them. The meditation encourages focusing on feelings of calmness, safety and love, culminating in affirmations of "I am calm, I am safe, I am loved." This family-friendly meditation is the perfect way to wind down the day, connect with your child, and prepare for a peaceful night's sleep. By practicing this meditation together, parents and kids can build resilience, find calm, and thrive amidst the challenges of growing up.FREE RESOURCES FOR YOUFree Resources for Kids’ Wellbeing 🎁At Kids and Teens Yoga, we believe in making mindfulness and mental health tools accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve created a collection of free resources designed to support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Check out some of our popular freebies below:🧘‍♂️ Self-Love Yoga Nidra for Teens – A calming meditation to boost self-confidence and relaxation.😌 Emotions Chart – Help your child identify and express their feelings with this easy-to-use visual guide.🌙 Sleep Meditation – A gentle meditation to guide your child into a restful night’s sleep.🛌 Sleep Routine Chart – Establish a healthy bedtime routine to create consistent, peaceful sleep habits.And so much more!Head over to kidsandteensyoga.com/free to download these resources and start your child’s journey to mindfulness today!

This week we welcome Natalie Costa, founder of Power Thoughts and expert in helping children and parents develop emotional intelligence and resilience.Access the FREE Kids and Teens Yoga resources here. What you will learn:The importance of modeling emotional regulation and frustration tolerance for parents - children learn by observing. Strategies for teaching children to sit with and process difficult emotions, such as creating "feeling characters." Shifting the narrative around failure and mistakes - reframing them as opportunities for growth and learning. Practical tips for praising progress over outcomes to foster a growth mindset in children. The power of having open conversations with children about your own struggles and setbacks.Actionable Advice:Create "feeling characters" with your child to help them identify and label their emotions. Celebrate mistakes and failures as signs of growth, not shortcomings. - Praise the process and progress, not just the end result. - Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges to normalise the struggle.Closing Thoughts: Natalie's mantra: "I am enough. I am more than enough." Emphasising self-worth and acceptance. Cultivating emotional resilience is a lifelong journey for both parents and children.Connect with NatalieNatalie Costa's website: www.powerthoughts.co.uk Instagram: @power.thoughtsLinkedIn: Natalie CostaFREE RESOURCES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDRENAt Kids and Teens Yoga, we believe in making mindfulness and mental health tools accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve created a collection of free resources designed to support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Check out some of our popular freebies below:🧘‍♂️ Self-Love Yoga Nidra for Teens – A calming meditation to boost self-confidence and relaxation.😌 Emotions Chart – Help your child identify and express their feelings with this easy-to-use visual guide.🌙 Sleep Meditation – A gentle meditation to guide your child into a restful night’s sleep.🛌 Sleep Routine Chart – Establish a healthy bedtime routine to create consistent, peaceful sleep habits.And so much more!Head over to kidsandteensyoga.com/free to download these resources and start your child’s journey to mindfulness today!

Welcome to part 3 of my mini three parter series of getting to know Zoe Baldwin-Jones your host of Kids' Minds Matter. From now on you can expect a guest interview then the following week a solo ep with me. Key Takeaways from this episode: Zoe expresses concern about the long waitlists for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the UK, indicating a significant unmet need.Zoe highlights the challenges children and teens face today with online abuse, cyberbullying, and social comparison, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.Zoe discusses the impact of reduced free play and increased screen time on children's mental health, social skills, and overall well-being.Zoe plans to dive deeper into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health in future episodes.Zoe aims to provide practical tools, strategies, and expert insights to help parents, caregivers, and support workers navigate the mental health challenges facing children and teens.Resources:The Anxious Generation bookKids and Teens Yoga website: kids-and-teens-yoga.com/free (free resources)Contact: hello@kids-and-teens-yoga.com

Welcome to episode 2 - eps 1-3 are intro episodes to give you a background into me, my why and how I am empowered to help you support the kids and teens in your life.In this episodes I give you some context on how yoga and breathing has supported my own children.Zoe discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the "COVID Anxious Generation" of children, describing the changes they experienced like school and business closures, mask-wearing, and increased hand-washing.She emphasizes the importance of approaching children's mental health struggles with compassion and open-mindedness, rather than dismissing their concerns.Zoe shares how she has used yoga, breathing exercises, and an emotions chart to help her own children navigate anxiety, worries, and other mental health challenges.The episode covers the value of validating children's feelings, using a "feelings barometer" to communicate emotions, and making space for open family dialogues about mental wellbeing.Zoe guides listeners through a simple breathing exercise and explains how it can calm the nervous system and bring children into the present moment.The show notes encourage listeners to check out the free resources available on the Kids and Teens Yoga website and to follow, review, and share the podcast.Key action items include implementing daily breathing exercises, using an emotions chart, and having children rate their anxiety levels on a scale.

In the debut episode of the Kids Minds Matter podcast, host Zoe Baldwin-Jones shares her personal journey with discovering yoga and how it has supported her mental health over the years. From first trying yoga as a young teen to relying on it during high-stress corporate jobs and life challenges, Zoe opens up about the transformative power of this ancient practice. Listeners will learn:How Zoe first discovered yoga through a VHS tape and how it became a daily ritualThe impact yoga had on Zoe during periods of burnout, anxiety, and depression in her corporate careerWhy Zoe is so passionate about bringing yoga and mindfulness to kids and teens todayThe many facets of yoga beyond just the physical poses, and how Zoe incorporates these into her workZoe also discusses the mental health struggles many young people are facing, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how yoga-based tools can provide much-needed support.Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in holistic wellness, this episode will inspire you to explore the transformative benefits of yoga and mindfulness. Tune in to hear Zoe's heartfelt story and get excited for the valuable resources and expert guests to come on the Kids Minds Matter podcast.FREE RESOURCES FOR YOUFree Resources for Kids’ Wellbeing 🎁At Kids and Teens Yoga, we believe in making mindfulness and mental health tools accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve created a collection of free resources designed to support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Check out some of our popular freebies below:🧘‍♂️ Self-Love Yoga Nidra for Teens – A calming meditation to boost self-confidence and relaxation.😌 Emotions Chart – Help your child identify and express their feelings with this easy-to-use visual guide.🌙 Sleep Meditation – A gentle meditation to guide your child into a restful night’s sleep.🛌 Sleep Routine Chart – Establish a healthy bedtime routine to create consistent, peaceful sleep habits.And so much more!Head over to kidsandteensyoga.com/free to download these resources and start your child’s journey to mindfulness today!