Mindful Conversations with KAY

Affirmations are like little magic spells we cast on ourselves to be more confident, more at peace, and more joyful. But how do they work? How do we craft a personal affirmation? And when do we use them? Join Kelly and Kristi in this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY and learn how to build and use powerful affirmations with the whole family. Join the conversation to discover: *What, exactl...

This episode is the first of five exploring CASEL. The CASEL framework is used as a data-based foundation for Social Emotional instruction. Kelly and Kristi start the CASEL conversation by exploring Self-Awareness: *What it is, why it is important, and how yoga and mindfulness practices help children develop self-awareness *Real life examples of self-awareness in action *Why yoga is the ultimate p...

This is one of our favorite episodes! Kelly and Kristi sit down with Mark Brown, the creator, writer, and illustrator of the Zen Pig series in this week's Mindful Conversations with KAY episode. Zen Pig introduces children to big concepts like self-love, empathy, compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness through simple verse and charming illustrations. Join in their conversation to learn: *How Mark's...

We have all experienced episodes of our fight-flight-freeze response... and sometimes we might even get stuck in that stress loop. This is why the practice of somatic experiencing is critical to our mental and physical wellness. In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi dig into this fascinating topic by exploring questions like: *What, exactly, is somatic experiencing? *...

Ready to feel empowered (and a little nerdy)? Kelly and Kristy get into the science of the Vagus Nerve in this immediately applicable episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY. Listen to learn how to turn on your body and mind's "off" switch through postures, breathing, play, and more. Blog Links: Vagus, Baby! How the Vagus Nerve Keeps Us Calm: https://kiddingaroundyoga.com/blog/vagus-nerve-vagal-...

Show notes and summary: We are rerelaeasing this episode as a bonus episode this week!   Everyone can meditate. Yes, everyone! From toddlers to teens, from busy parents to anxious seniors, there's a meditation practice for everyone. Skeptical? In this episode, Kristi and Kelly debunk common myths about meditation and convince you to start small and give it a try. Join the conversation as we d...

We are so excited to share this very special episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY -  an interview with Bari Koral, a beloved children's recording artist and internationally recognized kids yogi. Their wide-ranging dialogue explores a variety of topics including: Bari's path to healing and growth through yoga The power of music and play in children's learning Bari, Kelly, and Kristi's fav...

Times of change can be challenging, regardless of our age! Transitions often cause discomfort and anxiety, so how can we help ease those feelings within our children? Kelly and Kristi are back with the debut episode of season 2 of Mindful Conversations with KAY with a great discussion about helping children navigate the big changes that inevitably come with growing up. Listen in as they talk about...

In this episode, we talk about our nervous system and how we can create a toolbox of strategies for both our children and ourselves to help us regulate that system. Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and responses. Understanding how the nervous system works helps us to more fully understand self-regulation. We introduce tools such as deep breathing , meditation , and yoga...

Thank you to all of our listeners who have joined us on this journey for season 1.  We so appreciate your support.  We are taking a short break from releasing new episodes to spend time with our families.  Today we are re-releasing one of our top listened to episodes "A Mindful Approach to Behavior Management" In this episode, Kristi and Kelly talk about behavior and how we can use...

Is family mealtime a challenge or a treat? In this episode of the Mindful Conversations with KAY podcast, Kelly and Kristi explore ways to make family meals more enjoyable through mindfulness.  Their conversation includes: Different kinds of "picky" eaters The interaction between regulation and hunger/digestion Flexibility at mealtime (for everyone) Meal planning and cooking with children Pla...

Today's teens and tweens are under more pressure, exposed to more constant stimuli, and navigating social media unlike any other generation. In today's Mindful Conversations with KAY episode, Kelly and Kristi discuss the importance empowering our young adults with mindfulness tools. Listen to their conversation as they explore: *Effects of mounting expectations on our teens and tweens *Exploring i...

This week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY is the perfect discussion in time for summer vacation. Kelly and Kristi talk about their struggles and successes in finding ways for their families to stay mindful and active over the long break. Take a listen to hear more about: The challenges of unplugging and constant stimulation Why boredom is an opportunity to explore stillness Making a pl...

You're never too young to start practicing mindfulness and yoga! Before a child is even born, they are able to benefit from the sounds and rhythms of a yoga practice - and as they grow, the benefits do, too! As moms, preschool teachers, and yoga instructors, Kelly and Kristi share their unique insights and experiences with our youngest yogis. Their conversations explores: *What we miss when our br...

In this inspiring episode of Mindful Conversations of KAY, Kelly and Kristi talk with Erin Williamsen, Special Education teacher and Kids Yoga teacher from Durango, Colorado. Her vast experience with children of all ages and needs have given her a unique perspective on the power of making yoga and mindfulness part of a child's daily school routine: *How yoga helps level the playing field for stude...

Physical Education classes (also known as PE or Gym) are the highlight of many children's days - the opportunity to physically move and take a mental break is understandably needed. Other kids are not as keen on PE and may feel anxious and timid in PE class. Kelly and Kristi have a suggestion: Make yoga part of the PE curriculum! In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, we discuss: *Incl...

More and more school districts are embracing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and for good reason! As Kelly and Kristi say, "A stressed brain is not a learning brain!" Today's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY is a deep dive into the intersection of yoga and SEL. Listen in to explore: *What SEL is and why it is critical to healthy development *The 5 areas of SEL competency as defined by CAS...

Who doesn't love wandering through a good bookstore? The enticing titles, the brightly colored covers, the endless adventures that good literature takes us on - the act of reading is a self-care dream! Kelly and Kristi share some ways to make literature (both reading and writing) part of a mindfulness practice. In this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, listen in to learn more about...

In this week's episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi spend time discussing the fascinating connection between art and mindfulness with Dr. Bhoodram, an educator and art therapist from South Africa. Dr Bhoodram is an avid artist having painted in oils, water colours, and acrylics. He is presently using mandala art as therapy, conducts art therapy workshops and spends some of h...

In this episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi chat with the host and creator of The Kids Yoga Podcast , Jessica Mougis. Their lively conversation explores: Jessica's path to finding Kids Yoga The creation and growth of The Kids Yoga Podcast Building a community of Kids Yoga teachers Learning from teachers across the globe How Kids Yoga has grown and changed over the last deca...

Homework time doesn't have to be a hassle. With some planning and a few mindfulness tips, you can establish a healthy homework habits that will make the whole experience one of positivity and growth. In this super-relatable episode of Mindful Conversations with KAY, Kelly and Kristi share their top tips and insights for taming the homework anxiety. Listen in as they discuss: *How your child's home...

Goodnight! Sleep well! Easier said than done for many of our children, and some of us grown-ups, too. In this episode, Kelly and Kristi share mindfulness-based tools and strategies for sending your little ones off to dreamland (fuss-free!). Tune in to: connect with the family through a mindful sleep routine use mindfulness to tame nighttime anxiety practice guided meditations for sleep (and for li...

In this episode Kristi and Kelly talk about behavior and how we can use mindfulness to approach it.  They discuss that the root of all behavior is to communicate an unmet need.  Often times behavior is looked at as the problem and can cause the adults to feel frustrated or stressed in the situation.  However, if you can learn to look at behavior differently and find the emotions or...

In this episode we chat all about our host Kristi's story.  We talk about how she made her way from being a personal trainer/fitness instructor to a yoga and mindfulness teacher, for kids and adults. Kristi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Pacific Lutheran University. After working with adults for years in the fitness industry, she shifted her focus to working w...

In this episode we chat all about our host Kelly's story.  Who she is, how she found her way to Kidding Around Yoga, and her passion of sharing tools of self-regulation and mindfulness.  Kelly received a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. She has an extensive background working with children.  She started her career as a child life specialist &n...