School’s out and summer’s in full swing! After finishing an incredible week at Kidpreneurs' Camp SuperNova and wrapping up my school year, I’m finally catching my ️️breath.
It’s in these quieter moments that I’m reminded: stillness is powerful.
But stillness isn’t about silence.
It’s about helping kids hear themselves. That’s the first step toward mastering their minds and their lives.
Whether I’m working with preschoolers or preteens, one of my favorite things to teach is how to be still on the inside. Not just sitting still—but thinking with awareness, feeling with kindness, and noticing what’s going on in our own minds.
Because that’s where true mastery begins.
And yes—even the most wiggly, energetic kids can learn it.
Watch this short clip where I share how I help young learners find their calm—and how that one shift can turn them into confident classroom leaders.
Then we're going to explore how mindfulness isn’t just for quiet moments—it’s a superpower we can carry with us, everywhere we go.
Riding the “Thought Train”
When kids feel overwhelmed, it’s often because one small thought turns into a runaway train.
You’ve probably seen it:
"I messed up." → "I’m bad at this." → "I’ll never get it right."
This kind of spiraling is what psychologists call cognitive fusion or when thoughts feel so true, they take over our emotions and behavior.
But here's the good news: even young kids can learn to step back from those thoughts.
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this is called defusion—teaching people to see thoughts as just thoughts, not facts.
One way to teach it? The Thought Train.
Say:
“Let’s imagine your thoughts are trains. Some are helpful and kind. Others are cranky or confused. When a cranky train comes by—like ‘I’m the worst’—you don’t have to get on. You can just let it pass.”
Then act it out.
For younger kids: Use toy trains or draw them—each one labeled with a common thought. Practice “watching” or “sending away” the negative ones.
For older kids: Try journaling. Write down thoughts as if they’re trains passing a platform. Which ones feel helpful? Which can they let go?
This playful metaphor builds metacognition—the ability to think about your thinking—and that’s a skill that supports mental health for life.
The more we help kids notice their thoughts instead of jumping on every train, the more they build the kind of calm confidence that lasts a lifetime.
And speaking of slowing down...
Meet July's Animal of the Month: The Turtle!
Last month I happen to visit Turtlefest in Tillsonburg (yes, it's as adorable as it sounds!)—and it reminded me just how much kids can learn from this wise, slow-and-steady friend.
Turtles carry their home with them.
They retreat inward when overwhelmed.
And they remind us that stillness is strength.
Did you know turtles have been around for more than 200 million years? Their slow and steady rhythm isn’t just survival—it’s wisdom in motion.
To help your family keep this little mindfulness reminder close, we’ve created a free turtle-themed phone wallpaper to download and use. It’s simple, sweet, and a great way to pause—even on a busy screen.
🐢💬 Grab your free turtle wallpaper here ⬇️
Feel like your brain has too many tabs open?
We’ve been there. Jumping between school planning, work emails, and that recipe you swore you’d try this week.
Thank goodness Niphtio brings stillness to your screen.
It’s the smarter way to stay organized and share everything you need with less clutter and more calm.
- Save articles, videos, and tabs with one click
- Easily collaborate by sharing a collection of items with a single link
- Add notes to highlight priorities and key takeaways
Clear your mind by clearing your browser. Try Niphtio and breathe easier →
As I pack my bags for New Brunswick to share my new children's book and talk with families about the power of self-talk, I’m looking forward to the meaningful conversations ahead, especially the kind that bring generations together.
And if your summer includes a road trip or family night in, check out the HISTORY Channel Trivia Game! It's packed with 2,400+ questions across six fun categories that's perfect for flexing those brains and bonding through laughter for all ages 😂
History was also made this week at Camp SuperNova—and let me tell you, our campers haven’t been still since! After a week packed with creativity, courage, and connection, their minds (and feet!) are still buzzing with excitement.
You’ll get to hear their Power Pitches soon… and if you’re already thinking ahead, don’t wait—seats for our fall session are now open. We’d love to welcome your young changemaker into the next wave of SuperNovas!
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