mindfulness & Meditation resources
sitting still like a frog
This book introduces mindfulness and equips readers with coping strategies for learning to surf the waves of emotions that hit you even when you can not stop the waves from coming. It comes with a c.d. that guides listeners through mindfulness exercises. This is a parenting resource as well as a great option for educators who desire to incorporate some calm into their classrooms. In addition, this is especially a valuable tool for counselors or other helping professionals to have on hand to help children tap into and access calm!
moody cow meditates
This book walks us through Peter the cow's terribly bad day which is so awful that he earns the nickname "moody cow." In great detail, the book recounts each event that only intensifies Peter's moodiness. Peter's grandfather is called in to help Peter work through his anger to a place of calm. Peter's grandfather uses a jar and glitter sparkles to help walk Peter through naming each thing that is making him angry as he settles his angry thoughts. This book may especially be helpful for a counselor or parent in working with strengthening coping skills for their child. While this might be better suited to read to middle elementary or older age children, it can be adapted developmentally and even used as a tool to equip the parent or helping professional in understanding one technique to help children settle their angry thoughts.
peaceful piggy meditation
This book highlights pigs who sometimes get overwhelmed by the noise and pace of the world around them; these "peaceful piggies" are aware that they have a peaceful place inside them that they can experience when they slow down and meditate. The book goes on to describe what "peaceful piggies" do when they take a break and specifically what meditating looks like. In this way, it equips its reader with an understanding of how to meditate themselves and how to coach a child on calming through attention to his or her breath. This book also goes on to elevate the benefits of the joy, calm, and love that "peaceful piggies" experience.
DISCLAIMER: Elizabeth is a member of Amazon Affiliates. If you choose to buy a product from any of these links, Burton Counseling will receive a small portion of the proceeds. You may choose instead to support your local bookstore and buy directly from them. These are book recommendations with therapeutic and character education themes that may or may not be helpful. This is not therapy itself.
Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN., and you can learn about Elizabeth here. You can learn more about working directly with Elizabeth here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.