In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Mindful Bee and Friends series has been launched, introducing a beautifully illustrated collection of children’s books designed to promote mindfulness in young readers. Aimed at children aged 3 to 6, the series offers engaging stories featuring vibrant animal characters, providing parents, grandparents, and caregivers with a fun way to incorporate mindfulness practices into daily life.
Research from the National Centre for Social Research indicates that 10% of children and young people aged 5 to 16 have a clinically diagnosable mental health issue. Alarmingly, 70% of these children do not receive timely interventions. The Mindful Bee initiative seeks to address this issue by encouraging mindfulness from an early age, laying a strong foundation for mental well-being as children develop.
The launch of this series is particularly timely, coinciding with the arrival of many “Covid babies” in schools this autumn. These children, born during a period of unprecedented global disruption, have faced challenges such as social isolation and disrupted routines, leading to increased anxiety. As they begin their educational journey, many are scrutinised for potential emotional and social difficulties. Mindfulness can serve as a valuable tool for these children, helping them build resilience, manage stress, and develop emotional awareness.
Each book in the Mindful Bee series is designed to facilitate bonding experiences between adults and children. Filled with interactive activities, the stories promote calm, creativity, and conversation, featuring simple mindfulness exercises and storytelling prompts. The aim is to cultivate a peaceful and mindful environment at home and outdoors, fostering emotional regulation, improved focus, reduced anxiety, and overall well-being.
The subscription-based model will deliver a beautifully packaged book to subscribers each month, starting in December, making it an ideal Christmas gift. Each title revolves around specific themes, such as paying attention, nurturing focus, mindfulness in movement, compassion, gratitude, and diversity. This structure allows families to explore various aspects of mindfulness at their own pace.
Flexibility is key in the subscription model, with options for yearly, quarterly, or monthly deliveries. Each story features lovable animal characters that introduce mindfulness activities, promoting calm and bonding, helping children navigate emotions in an engaging manner. Additionally, the series includes a Buy One, Gift One option, allowing families to share the Mindful Bee experience with another family, fostering a sense of community and mental well-being for children everywhere.
Founded by Belinda Prescott-Collins and Stephanie Unthank-Latter, the Mindful Bee series aims to nurture children’s emotional well-being. Belinda, inspired by her personal mindfulness journey, created Mindful Bee for her family during a holiday in Spain. Alongside Stephanie, a BAMBA-registered mindfulness expert, they have co-authored the first twelve books in the series, designed to introduce children to mindfulness creatively.
Belinda remarked, “The world is full of distractions, but with Mindful Bee, we’re offering families a chance to pause and be present together.” Meanwhile, Stephanie noted, “Mindfulness offers children a way to manage their emotions in a world filled with uncertainty.”
As digital distractions become ever-present, Mindful Bee provides parents and grandparents with a refreshing opportunity to engage children in meaningful, screen-free activities, promoting mindfulness and family interaction during precious moments together.
For more information, visit Mindful Bee’s website.
