There's mention of "leaning into" tough experiences (ie. Covid-19) and emotions (ie. "Anxiety & Depression") that may be uncomfortable or overwhelming for some listeners.
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Host, Dominique Sullivan models mindfulness through her calm demeanor and non-judgmental tone.
Positive Messages
a lot
Compassion and kindness are major themes throughout the mindfulness practices. Teens are encouraged to show compassion for themselves and others when challenges arise. Episodes explore topics such as friendship, stress, and judgement through the lens of compassion and loving kindness. Listeners are provided with mindfulness as a concrete tool that can be used to combat difficult feelings that may come up in everyday situations.
Educational Value
a lot
Teaches mindfulness strategies through modeling of short, guided meditation practices, grounding methods and breathing exercises. There's also a component where teens and tweens are taught about the connection between what they think and how they feel. Listeners are challenged to think critically about topics such as judgment and stress through the lens of compassion.
Diverse Representations
a little
Throughout the episodes Buddhist practices such as Metta and Tonglen are briefly mentioned. However, there is not further explanation or representation of the Buddhist religion and its contributions to mindfulness culture.
There's little to none in terms of diverse voices or subject matter related to race and ethnicity, gender identity or sexual identity which are major stressors that many teens and tweens face in society today.
Parents need to know that Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens is a podcast that teaches mindfulness strategies such as meditation, breath work and grounding exercises. The purpose of this podcast is to build resiliency and compassion in teens and tweens. Themes of compassion and kindness are weaved throughout the episodes that explore topics like friendship, feelings of anxiety and difficulties with focus and attention. Parents should be aware that psychological disorders such as anxiety and ADHD are mentioned in several episodes. When introducing this podcast to your child, it may be important to discuss using mindfulness as a tool to ease uncomfortable feelings typically associated with these disorders (ie. stress, sadness, nervousness etc.) but that this podcast is not a method to self-diagnose or a replacement for therapy. Mindful practices are presented in a way that could be enjoyable and thought provoking for both children and adults.
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What’s It About?
In MOSTLY MINDFUL FOR TEENS AND TWEENS, episodes explore mindfulness strategies such as meditation, breathwork and grounding. Mindfulness exercises are led by Dominique Sullivan, a Canadian yoga teacher and librarian from Nanaimo British Columbia who has expertise in teaching meditation and mindfulness in educational settings. Strategies are rooted in the overall theme of compassion with topics such as judgement, loving kindness, anxiety and stress. It is noted that while this podcast is not intended to replace therapy, it is intended as a support in building stress management skills in adolescents.
This podcast is a wonderful introduction to mindfulness practice. Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens provides listeners with tangible skills and lessons that can be used during times of stress. Due to the short length of episodes, this podcast would be great for quick mindfulness breaks in the classroom and at home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of compassion found throughout Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens. What is compassion and why is it an important character strength? What are some ways that we can show it to ourselves? What are some ways that we can show it to others?
What are Anxiety and ADHD? How are these disorders different from feelings of nervousness, stress and inattention?
What does being a compassionate friend look like to you? Why is it important to be a compassionate friend?
What is Buddhism? Consider exploring its contributions to mindfulness as well as how other cultures practice mindfulness.
Can you name the sensations you have in your body when you feel stressed, sad or nervous? What are some ways to ground yourself when you feel this way?
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