Pause And Play

17/04/2020

We have dropped anchor here in the safe haven of the Pause and Play HQ, and while dealing with the practicalities of the lockdown we are focusing on and embracing the positives that it has brought to our lives - the slower pace of life, the earlier and louder birdsong alarm, the still and calm evenings and the opportunity to working from home ( in joggers!) and have more family time.

I feel fortunate, but I understand many of you will be facing much greater challenges at this time. I have shared a great post below with some very helpful tips and information to use at home.

Please bear in mind:-

1. We have uncertainty and a situation beyond our control. Worrying about this is using up valuable energy. If we can focus on the positives each day we are recharging our batteries and much better prepared to deal with any problem that should arise for us.

2. I care about all the Pause and Play children. Whilst I have not started online classes ( ... yet ... the jury is out on this one, as the internet is flooded with so many other classes just now and I've added a super resource below compiled by the yoga crow), I am here for all of the children. Please do not hesitate to message me, if you would like a chat/ support for your child at this time.

3. Stay safe and well. Be mindful. Sending love, light and virtual hugs to you all. 🙏❤🙏

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2265484697094154&id=1666970826945547

Some links to help support the mental health of children, teens and parents through these challenging times

1. The New York Times podcast for children on coronavirus was execllent - aimed at younger children:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/podcasts/the-daily/kids-coronavirus.html

2. The Wheel of Emotions can help children name how they are feeling which in turn enables them to talk about how they are feeling. I've attached the one I generally use when working with children suffering from anxiety

3. This is well written:

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating/?fbclid=IwAR067HNxrIAY0jY2pPuLc3JPuSJwveAe6EutqJgGy24TGNAVZraJ70JF_As

4. As a member of The Association of Child & Adolescent Mental Health this was a good podcast too:

https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/dr-jon-goldin-on-the-coronavirus-and-child-mental-health/

5. This podcast is for the parents of children with autism

https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/cornavirus-autism-a-parents-guide/

6. Supporting Families during COVID-19

https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/?fbclid=IwAR2bLRyhRgJPCNZ9jlfQZzYeu7k4l2Pj2v-vh96pY2GuR6Gl2bTrBir9BBo

7. Also ParentLine can offer all parents help and advice by calling 08000 28 22 33

https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/

10/04/2020

What do handwashing and hugs have in common....

In our house, without fail, we start our day with
a 20 second hug. It's billed as a 3 parter - 'a kiss, a cuddle and a cosy', because this was the only way I could get my young son to stay in one place long enough to deliver this big dose of love and calm to help set him up for the day when he was a toddler.

This may seem instinctual, but during a hug our own internal pharmacies release oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes us and lowers anxiety. This is often called the “cuddle hormone,” and when it's released during a 20-second hug it can effectively lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and reduce the stress hormone norepinephrine.

Now as a cool 7 year old my son will often approach and ask for 'huggies' if something has annoyed him... he'll sit on my knee and hold on tight getting his fix.

Whilst we are socially distancing it's more important than ever to hug our children at home, to deliver some love and calm, and if you have any trouble keeping them in hold.....just sing happy birthday to them twice!

08/04/2020

Here at Pause and Play HQ it's fair to say we have hit the PAUSE button big time.

When Sandy is asked what my job is, he always says, without fail, that it is to look after him. ❤

I am fortunate that I am on Easter break from my day job, and we have can be very lazy here, taking care of ourselves and taking it easy.

The rushing, striving and juggling have all been put on hold, we have no timetable or list...Joe Wicks lasted one day in our house! We do have love and laughter....a lot of laughter....as we relax and drop into accepting the situation and dropping all expectations and accepting ourselves.

Interestingly, my most reluctant Pause and Play student (Sandy), asks for meditation every night. He has built a large toolkit over the years, but he tells me now he can't sleep and requests a guided meditation, or to hold hands and do some mindful breathing or for me to play his favourite sound journey from youtube, because he knows it will help him settle.

Over the coming days I will share some of our favourites to help remind all our Pause and Play family of their own superpowers and magic toolkit.

Stay safe and well everybody.
🙏❤🙏

Please note: If any of the children are needing specific support, please pm me, and I will contact you privately.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w6T02g5hnT4

Practicing mindfulness is one of the single most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing. Want to give it a try? Visit http://www.happify.com for guide...

24/03/2020

What a week it's been since we held our final classes. I hope you are all staying safe and well.

I'm planning some Pause and Play workshops for the children via zoom in the coming weeks and will keep you all posted.

In the meantime, for all our Pause and Play big people, Deepak Chopra has just released this new 21 day guided meditation experience - Hope In Uncertain Times. Each meditation is around 20 minutes. I started it last night.. it's powerful and best of all it's free.

Sending love and light to you all.
🙏❤🙏

https://chopracentermeditation.com/

Hope in Uncertain Times. Register for free!

16/03/2020

I have taken the decision to run classes today, to give the children the opportunity to round of their learning and in order to help prepare the children for the anticipated lockdown.

Please do what you feel is right for your child. I fully understand that you may wish to keep your child at home.

This will however be the last class of term, as I feel we are in very uncertain times and I would prefer to bring the classes to a conclusion while we are able to make our own choices.

Today we will be looking at ways to relax at home to help support the children through the coming months.

Take care everyone and stay safe,
Namaste.

10/02/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=565456384056220&id=116988272236369

10/02/2020

In the run up to Valentine's Day we looked at treating ourselves with loving kindness. We are all very hard on ourselves and children are no exception! Throughout this term we have been looking at gratitude to focus on the positives, and we have learnt ways to acknowledge and let go of events that lead to us to feeling unhappy.

Today, in the final session of this block we will develope further our love and respect for ourselves, as we uncover our own unique superhero moniker. 😍🤩😎

No classes on 17th for half term. New block of 5 weeks, begins 24th February.

There are a couple of places available if you think your child would like to join our group. ( p1-3 3.45-4.30pm, p4-7 4.30 - 5.30pm, Mondays, YMCA, Broughty Ferry).

Booking essential.

27/01/2020

A friend has just shared this fantastic article. It's very much what we teach at Pause and Play. We work with children from pre school to teens and run classes, workshops and one to one. Enquiries welcome.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/power-of-positivity-the-tools-helping-kids-deal-with-worry-stress-and-change-977039.html #.Xi6BtURLflt.facebook

Áilín Quinlan hears about a programme helping school children to develop effective strategies to deal with worry, stress, and change.

10/01/2020

New 5 week block starting Monday 13th January. We have lots of fun new activities planned for the children this term to help the children relax and learn to build their own mindfulness toolkit.

There are a few places available. To enquire or book a space please message.

P1-3 3.45 to 4.30pm
P4-7 4.30 to 5.30pm

YMCA, Brook St, Broughty Ferry

01/01/2020

A wee bit of reflection from one of our youngest students as we reflect on all we have collectively achieved in 2019 and look forward to the decade ahead.

Happy New Year from all at P&P HQ. ❤x x x

30/12/2019

At Pause and Play we build our mindful toolbox through short exercises and fun games.....

Sandy demonstrating serious amounts of focus and concentration in the end of term 'no hands after eight game' below.

At Pause and Play we teach relaxation and mindful meditation through play.

Have fun and build resilience...chocolate optional!

PM for booking details.

Classes resume Monday 13th January.

22/11/2019

Christmas has come early at Pause and Play HQ! Testing out some paint pens ahead of Mondays classes when the P4-7 group will have the opportunity to mindfully make their own mandala stones.

P1-3 group will be developing their fun focused partner work we began last week.

There's only 4 more Mindful Mondays til the Christmas hols and we'll be cranking up the PLAY whilst taking a few PAUSES along the way...

We have a couple of spaces available in both classes. Booking essential. PM for details.

26/10/2019

Shout out to all our Mindful Monday children. We're looking forward to seeing you all after our holidays and getting back to the hard work of relaxing!!

Our new block starts on Monday 28th October, at YMCA, Broughty Ferry and there a few spaces still available.

Our classes aim to teach children simple meditation and relaxation techniques through short exercises and playful games.

Pre school (age 4) 2 - 2.45pm
P1 - 3 3.45 - 4.30pm
P4 - 7 4.30 - 5.15pm

Block of 4 classes £20 per child.

Booking essential. Please use the message option on our page.

17/10/2019

I hope you're all enjoying half term and have had some opportunity to pause and recharge the batteries.

Just a reminder that the next block of classes begins Monday 28th October, at YMCA Broughty Ferry.

There are a small number of spaces still available:
2 - 2.45pm preschool ( age 4)
3.45 - 4.30pm P1 - 3
4.30 - 5.15pm P4 - 7

Booking essential for new students wishing to join us. Please use the message option on the page.

22/09/2019

Preparing for my classes tomorrow and thinking of all the wonderful children who attend.... this illustration is as colourful, beautiful and wondrous as they are....x

15/09/2019

Love this picture...at Pause and Play we gently introduce children of all ages to meditation through fun exercises and play.

Slowly the children build their own repetoire of relaxation techniques to use at home, at school and in life.

Mindful Mondays continue at YMCA, Broughty Ferry. There are still a few places available.

Pre - school (age 4) 2 -2.45pm
P 1 - 3 3.45 - 4.30pm
P 4 - 7 4.30 - 5.15pm

Booking is essential.

15/09/2019

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend and and finding some time to relax and recharge your batteries. X

09/09/2019

Week 3 of Mindful Mondays at YMCA, Broughty Ferry and today we will continue to learn how to use our breath to anchor us in the present. Mindfulness may be a simple practice but it is not always easy!

As a Connected Kids Professional level tutor, I am passionate about teaching children mindfulness and meditation.

'Mindfulness turns the loving kindness we would extend to a best friend towards ourselves'.