Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids

by Maud Roegiers

This pensive and peaceful book encourages children to slow down and become deliberate with their day-to-day actions and thoughts. With gentle rhythms and soothing imagery, kids may be guided toward a quiet self-awareness and mindfulness.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Kids, Emotion, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2010

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text in this little book on mindfulness is lovely. There is little enough text on each page that it kind of forces you tp read slowly, which is sort of the point. It would be a wonderful, relaxing read-aloud, even for young children. The illustrations were not completely to my taste, although I did love the color palette.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another mood I may have decided that this is too trite, or too 'instant classic.' But today I really enjoyed it... and would like to have the text as a poem in a scrapbook or something. The pictures fit, but are not my favorite... a little too blue and too sketchy.

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick picture book with a big message: take the time to think and feel before you act.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I changed my mind. I like this one the best. Two reasons. The first is a BIG one: it is in the NONFICTION, where ALL of these books should be. The book's published by this press are didactic, they are written to teach a specific lesson, and should be with the other informational books. This is a beautiful lesson for kids to slow down, take time, think things through--the illustrations and text are perfect, though ironically this of all the books does NOT have an afterword telling parents what they and their kids should have learned.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.

It is a book to help parents and children to take the time to "experience the experience" with mindful tools to help kids calm down and feel better.

I found the ideas very useful for adults too.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little treasure which I simply hope more and more people would have the chance to discover. It helps anyone to be more mindful of the internal state, to attain inner peace and to practice self-love in this fast-paced, demanding world.

[Stacy Natal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could see using this as a discussion starter about mindfulness. The illustrations are simple and children may be able to follow up with drawing a picture and adding an idea of their own.

[Sue Mosher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think parents need more of these kind of reminders than kids do, but this simple book spells out the important things we all need to take more time to do in our lives.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

When the world is "topsy turvy" take the time to be in the moment - whatever you may be feeling. Take time to heal and love.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. this book is older, but very nice. it encourages kids to slow down, and feel their emotions, to listen to silence

[Martha Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and simple yet thoughtful content.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The book is short, sweet and has a lovely poetic flow. The illustrations are beautifully simple and a perfect compliment to the text. This book is a great introduction to mindfulness for kids. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by information, activities, etc. throughout our day, this is a great reminder to slow down and 'take the time' to notice and enjoy life. I read this with my own kids which lead to a great (and in my opinion, necessary) discussion. This will be something we will continue talking and learning about definitely. I feel that this is a necessary practice for a happy, healthy well being.

One thing I wish the book contained was a section for parents that gave more information, activities to try with your children and even other resources to continue your education and practice. The book jacket gave two short paragraphs, but it just wasn't enough I thought. What it did give was good. Maybe it's simple on purpose though. ;)




This is a beautiful lesson for kids to slow down, take time, think things through--the illustrations and text are perfect, though ironically this of all the books does NOT have an afterword telling parents what they and their kids should have learned.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book. I think in many ways it's harder for kids to slow down in today’s society, with TV, Internet, iPod's, school, friends, sports and clubs, etc., everything is Go! Go! Go! and we have to remember that kids can't always be moving, be thinking, can't always multitask every moment of the day. I appreciate seeing a book that encourages children to slow down, breathe and relish the simplicity in life. I only wish there were more to this title, and oddly enough I don't know what that more would be.
The book is very sparse, both in text and saturation of the colors used for the illustrations. I think this was intentional on the authors account but the book reads more like a poem and floats away too quickly, I wish it were more grounded so that the concepts could really sink in more deeply as the book is being read. After reading the book I couldn’t remember it; that might make it difficult for children to absorb also.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Roegiers is another book that captures the subtleties of life. The book focuses on how to cope with life as well as the overwhelming sense of anxiety that plagues children and adults alike. Roegiers directs children (and I think this applies to adults as well) to “slow down and take the time to be with my friends” or “to close my eyes when I am hugged.” Mindfulness, according to Buddhism, is described as a calm awareness of feelings and consciousness. In an age when anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness among adults, Roegiers’ book offers kids simplistic ways of dealing with such feelings. Perhaps, like our “please” and “thank you’s,” teaching mindfulness needs to become a lesson taught in every home and school.

http://readschmead.wordpress.com/2010...

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

#mindfulness #calm #SEL Sweet book about taking time out of a busy day/ emotions / activity to find calm

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet, meditative book that encourages children to show down and take the time to observe the world around them. This book may have been good for me at some point, as I was a nervous, anxious child who grew into a nervous, anxious adult. And that was long before the dominance of so many electronic devices braying for attention. I'm sure it's even more difficult to be a youngster these days.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one- lovely illustrations and simple but well chosen text. Andrew and I read it together. It would be great for a gift for an adult as well- reminds us to slow down-appreciate the little moments and take the time we need to think, heal and love.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

MEH!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

good discussion starter

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short and simple book. Love the illustrations.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations. Good for very young children.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this with my son on a regular basis. I need this reminder often.

[Stephanie]

Saw this little book as a post on Pinterest. Very nicely composed. Yes, we are human and even the youngest needs time to be mindful of self in order to help others.