Episode 5: Our guest is Kim Kelly, a certified school counselor, and the owner of Playful Minds Jacksonville, a business designed to bring families inspiration, encouragement, and ideas on their mindfulness journey. In this episode, Kim talks with us about how anxiety can affect kids as we enter a new school year, and she shares with us some tips to help families navigate stress during this time. Please note, the strategies discussed in this episode are intended to be used with children who can benefit from mindfulness activities and meditation, if a child is actively suicidal, parents should get in touch with a suicide hotline or their pediatrician for immediate assistance.

Episode 5: Show Notes

Kim Kelly Photography
Susan Kaiser Greenland Mindfulness Exercises
Calm App for Meditation
Headspace Meditation for Kids
(affiliate and referral links used below)
Mindful Games Activity Cards
MindUP Curriculum
The Listening Walk
Mindful Parent, Mindful Child Audio Book

Episode 5: About our Guest

Kim Kelly is a Jacksonville native and mother of two children (ages 14 and 10). She received her M.S. and Ed.S. degrees in Counseling and Human Systems from Florida State University. In addition, she has been a certificated school counselor for over 14 years. Then, two years ago, she created Playful Minds, a business designed to bring families inspiration, encouragement, and ideas on their mindfulness journeys. Finally, through mindfulness, Kim connected more deeply with her love of photography. This led her to open Kim Kelly Photography where she specializes in family portraits.

Mindfulness can be defined as attending to the here and now with kindness and curiosity. Mindfulness is a wonderful platform to teach children about basic brain functioning. Likewise, it also shows them how to more deeply engage in the present moment. For example, games, crafts, stories, family meditations, and engaging experiences help keep the themes of mindfulness relevant and embedded in family life. Since this interview, Playful Minds has closed and Kim has opened a photography business. If you’re looking for a family photographer who is great with kids, we suggest you check out Kim Kelly Photography.

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