Dear Friends,

In the fall of 2016, I facilitated a small introductory mindfulness class for a group of adults living in my community. Having heard of my work with adults, my youngest child’s second grade teacher approached me to ask if I taught mindfulness to children. Wanting to help, but unsure as to how I would adapt the teachings for children, I pursued training through the Mindful Schools organization, and then spent the next few years developing and delivering the Mindful Parents and Kids curriculum in my children’s and other local schools. The experience of witnessing a classroom of children fall into stillness and present moment awareness was profound.

Flashforward to the beginning of the pandemic, and my in-person work in schools came to an abrupt halt. Teachers began reaching out to me to ask whether I had anything I could offer to their students who were studying at home. These requests prompted the development of a point and click on-line mindfulness curriculum for students in Grades 1 - 6.

Like yourself, I am witnessing in our school communities a mental health crisis. Our school leaders are depleted, and they are struggling with their own mental health and well-being (Canadian Teachers’ Federation, 2022). At the same time the People for Education’s 2022-23 Annual Ontario School Survey (AOSS) found that Principals are reporting among their students “increased behavioural issues, difficulties with self-regulation, and a range of unaddressed mental health challenges”. The AOSS report calls on the Ministry of Education to increase funding for human resources, especially support staff for mental health and well-being, increased access to family and community supports and to recognize how difficult the pandemic has been on school communities. It is critical as parents that we use our voices to echo the priorities as outlined above, but is there something more we can do?

Respected social psychologist Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” As a parent I reach out to you now to let you know that this effective, easy to use and highly scalable program exists and is available for your school community. A growing body of research on mindfulness training in a school-baed context reveal that training increases:

  • Attention

  • Self-Regulation

  • Empathy & Kindness

  • Well-Being

  • Conflict Resolution

As of October 1, 2023 the program’s annual subscription per school will be $499.99, and this price includes all programming for students, classrooms and parents.

With the support of this program, you can play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of you school community. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance on how to get started, parent engagement initiative ideas and school community implementation. I’m available to help.

Sincerely, Connie Campbell

Founder, Mindful Parents and Kids